Can't lift a stiff leg. Try this.

Can’t lift a stiff leg?

This is a pretty common problem Post Stroke, ABI, TBI, and anyone living with  MS or ALS, that has a few different root causes.

Knowing the root cause is the best way to identify the best exercises.

I have both Spasticity and weakness in my left Stroke affected leg.  I use the Walkaide, an Electrical Stimulation Device that straps on my left leg, below my knee, that lifts my foot through Electrical Stimulation automatically, as I walk.  However the Walkaide is very sensitive to water, which is it's Kryptonite, so if I am going to the beach / pool or if it is raining hard, I have the next best thing.  The SaeboStep.  This device is the next best thing, and in reality, more versatile, because I can even wear it in the water, though not recommended, I would rather be safe then sorry.  See the links below explaining both the SaeboStep, and Walkaide.   

Designed and developed in Alberta Canada and Health Canada approved, due to high Health Canada licensing fees for suppliers to import the Walkaide into Canada, Walkaide  is No longer available in Canada.  Politics....

SaeboStep:  SaeboStep Foot Drop Brace. Walk Smarter. - YouTube

Walkaide: WalkAide System 3D Illustration - YouTube

What can make it difficult to lift a stiff leg? 

Weakness

Weakness in the muscles that flex the hip (bring the leg forward) and/or the muscles that bend the knee. Both of these muscle groups are critical in lifting the leg to clear the ground when swinging the leg through. 

Spasticity

There are to main muscle groups that can develop spasticity that can make the leg stiffen up during the standing phase that will make it difficult to bend the knee to lift the foot to swing the leg through. The two muscle groups are the quadriceps, the muscles that straighten the knee. The second muscle group are the ankle plantar flexors, the muscle that point the foot down. In many cases there is spasticity in both muscle groups. 

Abnormal Synergy Pattern

An extensor synergy pattern in the leg can also make it difficult to lift the leg. 

What exercises can help to lift a stiff leg? 

Movement Retraining

• Isolated hip flexion exercises can help to “break up” an abnormal synergy pattern. Active assisted exercises using the core max (see the video below to learn how I use this tool to retrain the hip flexors. 
• Isolated knee flexion is also a critical movement to help make it easier to lift a stiff leg. 

Want to take a deeper dive into this issue? Watch this video!!

https://youtu.be/2ralOtLR6Go