Exercise video 1 - Calf muscles
Question 1 of the Spasticity App Test
Here as a reminder: The first video of the Spasticity App, which you used to decide whether you answered the question with green, yellow or red.
Relaxed sitting and foot movement: Please sit relaxed. Does your foot move rhythmically when another person moves the tip of your foot, as shown in the video? If the movement stops briefly and ends as soon as the foot is no longer moved, it is "exhaustible". If your foot continues to move uncontrollably, it is an "inexhaustible" muscle tension. Please remember that this movement should only be performed in the pain-free area.
Perform the exercises in this order:
❶ Stretching exercise
❷ Activation exercise
❶ Stretching exercise for calf muscles
The deep calf muscles help to shift the bodyweight when walking, enabling a safe step forward. This exercise is best performed standing up but can also be done sitting down. Place the forefoot of your paralyzed leg on a wedge, as shown in the video, a towel roll, or a small step, and press your heel down firmly. The knee should remain bent. To increase the stretch in the back of the calf and knee area, lean forward with your upper body or press your heel further down. You are performing the stretch correctly if you feel a slight pull but no pain in the back of the calf.
➤ Remain in this stretching position for at least 3 minutes before performing the activation exercise.
❷ Activation exercise for calf muscles while sitting
Lifting the forefoot is particularly important for safe walking. This exercise is best performed standing up, but it can also be done sitting down. If possible, mark a target point, such as a spot on a box. It is crucial that you are just able to reach the target mark with the tip of your foot when you lift your forefoot. Now move your forefoot up to the target marker and back again as often and quickly as you can within 20 seconds.20 seconds.
➤ To repeat the activation exercise, return to the stretching position and hold it again for at least 3 minutes. You can perform the entire stretch-activation exercise block several times a day.
