Stroke Survivor Case Study
Name: Richard Dionne
Age: 74
Profession: Retired from Boeing
Initial Challenges: I was contacted by Richard’s caregiver to help assist in strength training so he could become more mobile and get to overdue medical appointments. Richard has survived a stroke a decade prior that resulted in hemiplegia on his left side which left him immobile and a fall risk for daily activities. He also suffered a rotator cuff tear on his uncompromised side and had back surgery a few years before we began working together which further made exercise a challenge for him.
Personalized Training Approach
Assessment and Goal Setting: Richard had extreme muscle tightness due to contractures, suffered from his stroke, on his left arm and leg making active muscle function nearly non-existent. A few degrees of glenohumeral shoulder abduction and some hip flexion were about the extent of his movement on this side of his body. From here we put a plan to continue to investigate and explore what he had available to exercise each session.
Customized Plan: In each session I triaged what was most important to Richards overall independence and function, starting each session there. Most times it was starting with his altered side and asking him to actively move certain areas of his body. Then, when needed, I would provide manual resistance or use workout bands to find an appropriate challenge for that area. Each visit I observed variation in his abilities which upon further investigation would be explained by Richards sleep schedule or eating. For example, some days abilities would seem limited due to poor sleeping patterns the night prior.
Support and Guidance: Positive and constant encouragement are very important when helping others with their exercise goals. Providing support with a quick phone call on an off day or text message to check in helped Richard know he had someone rooting for him to keep going and striving to be better. Each time Richard succeeded in a task I would help guide him to the next doable task.
Results Achieved
Physical Improvements: Within 2 months Richard was able to get to his medical appointments and navigate the staircase to get out of his home. As time went on he started making trips to the grocery store with his caregiver and maintained his independence living alone.
Mental and Emotional Benefits: Although Richard always had a compromised side due to the hemiplegia, our weekly workouts gave him energy and helped his mental health. He would often comment that the mental and emotional benefits of having me over for our sessions was the most beneficial to him since he lived alone. This is also why I enjoyed going the extra mile and calling him to conversate on occasion. Being a consummate professional is something we value at Reed Elite Training but tight bonds with clients are oftentimes unavoidable when spending several hours a week with someone. After all, personal training is all about the relationships we build!
Overall Impact: Between the physical and mental benefits of his exercise sessions Richard was able to remain independent and leave his home on occasion to enjoy simple tasks he could not before working together.
Client Testimonial:
“I’ve been training John for over 2 years after needing an exercise specialist for in-home services. I had a stroke 13 years back which compromised my left side. In 2020 I had back surgery on my L4-L5. Needless to say I was looking for a trustworthy professional to build me back stronger. What I’m happiest with working out with John is he meets me where I’m currently at and helps me improve my compromised side not just exercise my stronger side. I’m now able to use my stairs, go to the store with my caregiver, and visit my doctors when needed due to improved strength. I’ve had other personal trainers, therapists, and chiropractors in the past and John’s attention to detail and level of technical knowledge continues to exceed my expectations. I can honestly say John is the best personal trainer I’ve worked with.”
