Many individuals who have experienced a stroke, brain injury, or neurological conditions can overcome the challenge of relearning how to walk. Walking is a multifaceted ability that demands coordination, balance, strength, and endurance, relying on various body systems. Gait training is necessary for patients to regain their ability to walk by practicing specific exercises and methods.

Gait training offers several advantages, such as:

Returning the legs’ joints and muscles to their normal range of motion and flexibility.

Enhancing leg and core muscle strength and stability.
Increasing the body and limb’s balance and coordination.
Improving cardiovascular fitness and endurance in the body.

Promoting brain and nerve recovery by stimulating neuroplasticity.

Whether at home or in a clinic, gait training exercises can be done independently or with the aid of a physical therapist or device. Improve your walking by trying out these common exercises.

From a chair or bed, you can do seated marching as a form of exercise. The movement consists of raising one leg as high as possible and then returning it to the ground. This exercise enhances hip and knee flexion, crucial for swinging the leg forward while walking.

You can perform the flamingo stand by standing on one leg and using a stable support, such as a wall or railing, for balance. It enhances the balance and stability of the standing leg while strengthening the hip and ankle of the lifted leg.

To do knee kicks, sit on the edge of a chair or bed and extend one leg at a time as straight as possible, then bend it back. It contributes to improving knee extension, which plays a vital role in leg stability during walking.
You can perform sit to stand by sitting on a chair or bed, standing up without arm assistance, and then sitting back down. It enhances leg and core muscle strength, as well as body coordination.

If you’ve had a stroke or brain injury, these exercises can assist in relearning how to walk. That being said, the needs and challenges of patients can differ based on the type and extent of their injury. Consequently, consulting with a physical therapist is advised for an individualized gait training program that fits their goals and abilities.