Is it advisable to do exercise when affected by Guillain-Barre Syndrome? Which activities would you suggest and how intense should they be?

See if it is advisable for people with Guillain-Barre Syndrome to practice sports and which ones are the most recommended if you have Guillain-Barre Syndrome

Yes. It is advisable to attend physiotherapy and occupational therapy.Exercises will be prescribed according to the patient's muscle strength level as muscles must not be over-exerted. Exercises will include general strengthening and mobility, activities of daily living and self-care, hand function exercises.

Posted Apr 26, 2017 by AM 1211

Yes, yes, yes. However be vary careful at first. If you push GBS it pushes back. You need to realize its a very slow recovery. You must have a therapist that understands GBS. I had the best team. They knew when to work muscle groups and when to stop.

Posted Apr 26, 2017 by james ventura 1501

In my situation - I got Guillain-Barre Syndrome while on a overseas trip, the normal procedures they had in the country I visited was that you stayed at the emergency hospital tills you were out of the worst part and then they move you to rehab facility. In my case, they kept me in the emergency tills I was clear to fly home.

To get clear to fly home, I did a lot of work outs in the hospital swimming pool, regular movement exercises in the pool, I felt that I improved dramatically over the week I did them tills I flew home.

While home, i went to rehab and did basic strength training with weights for weeks tills I was strong enough to take up running and cycling. I found especially cycling helping me further in improving my health.

Posted Apr 27, 2017 by Totta 1181

if able to move the body without pain or reinjury it is good to keep it moving, stationary bike, treadmill, light weights, walking and swimming all supervized untill able to continue on their own.

Posted May 9, 2017 by Bob 1650

Physiotherapy. House work would be a good training.

Posted Sep 3, 2017 by James 2825

Physical therapy was crucial for me. I had to re-learn to use all my muscles to walk again.

Posted Sep 9, 2017 by Barb 1100

Yes you should exercise but resting is very important too. Never over do your body, especially in the beginning

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Connie 2000

You must proceed at your individual pace , do not follow others advice ,know your body .Stretches , walking , stretches !

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Rex McKinley 1200

You have to exercise to build your muscle back but listen to your body and when you hurt or get fatigued while exercising rest

Posted Sep 10, 2017 by Debra 2000

When approved by a healthcare professional to do so, physical therapy exercises are critical to maintaining muscle mass, improving stamina, & to recovering sense of balance. GBS often so compromises one's strength that the patient must relearn to walk. Often upon inpatient discharge, one is able to walk only with assistance of a walker, & with time & practice, graduates from the walker to using a cane, eventually improving to no longer need the cane. It's important to not exercise to exhaustion, but rather to exercise in brief episodes interspersed with rest periods. Forget the traditional concept of No-Pain-No-Gain. That is specifically discouraged with the GBS diagnosis. Early & frequent onset of fatigue is a very real consequence of GBS.

Posted Sep 11, 2017 by Denny 2300

While in the active stage, just range of motion. Afterward, any cardiovascular exercise you can tolerate.

Posted Oct 1, 2017 by John 2070

Hydrotherapy is excellent rehabilitation
Physiotherapy
Occupational therapy
Speech therapy is sometimes required

Posted Oct 28, 2017 by Kath Donaldson 2065

Definately but if you become paralyzed, passive stretching will be your friend. PT’s usually do it, but family and friends can learn!

Posted Jan 26, 2018 by Tracey 1100

Give your opinion on what should be advisable for people with Guillain-Barre Syndrome when practicing certain activities?

Get a prescription from your neurologist for a physical therapist for both your upper and lower body.

What activities would you recommend for those diagnosed with Guillain-Barre Syndrome?

Swimming, and any and all as long as you don't overdo it and it has been signed off on by physical therapist or you have used your best common sence.

Posted Apr 2, 2018 by SurfNYC 2681

I am recovering slowly from it. I made myself a training program which at first was balance and ROM. Each month i made it more challenging and now include 2 strength modules. I never exercise to failure point. Remember that you are exercising muscle which is not directly causing your disease. Yours is nerves and it takes at least 6 months to grow them back. Keep the muscles in trim and take the opportunity to exercise others *have 6 pack now).

Posted May 25, 2019 by steve carroll 100

I would say that even if you are depressed and don’t want to move, the best thing is getting out of that bed and getting a move on!!

Life did not stop because you are sick. I know that sounds harsh, but I lost years sitting around feeling sorry for myself. Do the exercises, do whatever it is that they are telling you to do!! Please!! It’s going to get better!!

Posted Sep 8, 2019 by Tara32473 2570

If the individuals body allows them to perform exercises with GBS and a doctor has given the approval then I agree it would be helpful.
This would help with muscles, weight gain and depression

Posted Sep 9, 2019 by Joe Wojtanowski 2500

Yoga is good for balance and to regain strength. Swimming helps regain stamina. Any regular exercise (3x per week) helps with recovery of muscle tone and stamina.

Posted May 15, 2021 by Judi 869

Yes. The exercise should be light and advice from a medical practitioner should be taken.

Posted Apr 15, 2025 by Terry Graham 700