[Enjoyable for people with hemiplegia too] Participate while seated! Simple and fun recreation
You want to make rehabilitation for people with hemiplegia more effective while still having fun, right? This time, we’re introducing enjoyable, easy-to-try recreational activities.
There are plenty of options that get the body moving and bring smiles, such as the newspaper-rolling game, a cup-and-ball toy made from milk cartons, and finger exercises.
They can be enjoyed alone or with others, and the appeal is that you can continue at your own pace without overexertion.
You can expect various benefits, like improving finger dexterity and training balance.
Facility staff should ensure safety by staying nearby to supervise and support.
Try incorporating these into daily life to make functional recovery both fun and effective!
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[Fun for People with Hemiplegia Too] Participate While Seated! Simple and Entertaining Recreations (11–20)
hanging towel
Let me introduce a unique game that uses towels.
Prepare towels about the size of a face towel.
Stand at a distance and throw the towels so they hook onto a target stick.
Each person throws three towels, and you compete to see who can get the most towels onto the stick.
Since you’re throwing towels that you normally use to wipe your face or hands, the unexpected twist makes it lively and fun.
You can also replace the stick with a basket and turn it into a game where you throw the towels into the basket.
It can be played while seated, so it should be easy for older adults to take part as well.
Paper cup: Don’t take the last one game
Let me introduce a fun game you can play with paper cups.
The rules are simple: place several paper cups on a table, and on your turn you may take up to three cups.
You can take one, two, or three cups.
The player who takes the very last cup on the table loses.
As the game nears the end, you’ll start carefully considering how many cups to take.
Who will be the one to pick up that final cup? It’s a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat paper cup game.
Paper cups are light, so you can hold them with one hand.
It’s a game that people with hemiparesis might also enjoy.
Finger exercises you can do with one hand
One-handed finger exercises can help improve hand and finger function while having fun.
Moving each finger individually or counting on your fingers can increase flexibility and range of motion.
It also enhances dexterity you can use in everyday life.
You can do it while seated, so it’s easy to keep up without strain.
Moving your fingers to music can make it more rhythmic and enjoyable.
Humming a children’s song while doing the exercises might be nice, too.
Since it can also have a relaxing effect, try making it part of your daily routine.
music therapy
Listening to music can be relaxing.
The enjoyment of singing or performing is also one of music’s charms.
It’s said that for older adults, listening to music can provide a change of pace and help reduce anxiety.
So why not incorporate music therapy into recreational activities? Since it can be done seated and in time with the music, people with hemiplegia or those who have difficulty standing can also participate.
Singing together and playing instruments as a group can encourage cooperation and promote communication.
It’s also recommended to move your body gently to the music, within a comfortable range.
Ball Knob Game
The ball-pinching game is a wonderful recreational activity that lets you do rehabilitation while having fun.
By using clothespins to pinch a ball, you can stimulate fine finger movements.
When you throw the ball into a target, you can also develop dexterity and control.
It’s great that people with hemiparesis can enjoy participating within their abilities.
Competing or cooperating with other participants will make it even more exciting.
It can be used not only to improve hand and finger function but also as an opportunity for communication.
By all means, give it a try together and have fun!
unilateral exercise
One-sided exercises are a fun recreation that’s perfect for people with hemiplegia.
By performing actions with your non-dominant hand, you activate the brain and can also build muscle strength.
Using the paralyzed side’s arms and legs stimulates the brain’s neural pathways.
There are many types, from simple to challenging movements, so you can keep going without getting bored.
The dangling (burabura) exercises, where you gently sway your body, help develop your sense of balance and muscle control.
They can also improve posture and strengthen the core.
Swaying movements have a relaxing effect as well, making them great for stress relief.
Be sure to find the exercises that suit you best!
[Fun for Those with Hemiplegia Too] Join While Seated! Simple and Entertaining Recreations (21–30)
Newspaper Stick Holder
Introducing the “Newspaper Stick Drop,” where you place a stick made from rolled newspaper into a milk carton! It’s a simple yet concentration-demanding game.
It’s a great chance to test hand movements and control.
You can go at your own pace, so while it may feel a bit challenging, you’ll find yourself absorbed and having fun.
It also helps develop manual dexterity.
Give it a try, play proactively, and enjoy the sense of accomplishment.
With a little creativity, you can enjoy many variations as recreational activities, and there are even exercises that support rehabilitation on the paralyzed side.
Let’s all get excited together and enjoy taking part!