Exercises to boost dexterity

Sometimes following a stroke, you may feel you have the ability to move the arm, but finer dexterity movements are proving difficult. These could be things such as unscrewing a bottle top, or picking up small objects. Performing exercises involving coordination and dexterity can help to improve these symptoms. Examples of exercises include:

Picking up small objects

Sit, or stand with two bowls in front of you. Fill one of these bowls with small objects such as coins, nuts, bolts, paperclips, anything that can be difficult to grab.

One at a time, try to pinch one of these between your index finger and your thumb, and move it to the empty bowl, repeat until all of the objects have moved from one bowl to the other, then repeat back again. Repeat over and over, as much as you feel able.

Paperclips or pegs

Grasping a paperclip or clothes peg, try to place the object over the edge of bowl or cup, until all of the pegs are in place, then remove them again one at a time.

Moving the fingers

This is an easy exercise that can be performed anywhere.

With your palm facing up, tap your thumb to the tip of each finger from your index to your little finger. Then repeat the same in reverse order. Repeat the movement and as you improve try to increase the speed and accuracy of the taps.

To work the other side of your hand, place your hand flat on a table, palm facing down. Then, try to lift one finger at a time from the table while the rest stay down. Repeat from thumb to little finger and back again.

Writing/drawing

One of the finest dexterity tasks we do with our hands is writing. So with a pen and paper, write or draw something, focus on the neatness of your writing and try to increase your speed as you improve. If you struggle to grasp the pen, try using a thicker marker pen and progress to a standard size as able.