Stroke survivors experience physical deconditioning and lead sedentary lifestyles.¹

Evidence supports the benefits of aerobic and strength training exercise for stroke survivors¹

Benefits of Exercise for Stroke Survivors:

• Improve cardiovascular fitness²
• Improve physical function, eg walking ability³
• Improve depressive symptoms⁴
• Improves quality of life⁵
• Improved aspects of executive functioning and memory⁶
• Reduces the risk for subsequent cardiovascular events¹

In conclusion, exercise prescription should be incorporated into the management of stroke survivors.

“The promotion of physical activity in stroke survivors should emphasize low- to moderate-intensity aerobic activity, muscle-strengthening activity, reduction of sedentary behaviour, and risk management for secondary prevention of stroke.” ¹

Terminology

Physical deconditioning = Exercise intolerance due to deterioration of heart and skeletal muscle.

Sedentary = Inactivity, e.g. too much sitting.

Aerobic training = Otherwise known as “cardio” training. The ‘heart rate’ and ‘breathing rate’ increases to deliver oxygenated blood to the working muscles in sustained, endurance exercise.

Strength training = Otherwise known as “weight” training. The use of body weight or machines to add ‘resistance’ to stimulate muscular contraction and the development of muscle strength.

Cardiovascular fitness = The ability and fitness of the heart and lungs to supply oxygen-rich blood to the increasing demand of the working muscles.

Here are a few simple exercises that you can pick from below. You don’t need to pay for a gym to reap the benefits. No excuses!

• Walk for 20 minutes everyday,
• Walk for 30 minutes 3-4 times per week,
• Jog for 30 minutes 3-4 times per week, or
• Join a FREE walking group to keep you motivated!

1. Billinger SA, Arena R, Bernhardt J, Eng JJ, Franklin BA, Johnson CM, MacKay-Lyons M, Macko RF, Mead GE, Roth EJ, Shaughnessy M, Tang A; American Heart Association Stroke Council; Council on Cardiovascular and Stroke Nursing; Council on Lifestyle and Cardiometabolic Health; Council on Epidemiology and Prevention; Council on Clinical Cardiology (2014). Physical activity and exercise recommendations for stroke survivors: a statement for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke;45(8):2532-53
2. Pang MY, Eng JJ, Dawson AS, Gylfadottir S. (2006). The use of aerobic exercise training in improving aerobic capacity in individuals with stroke: a meta-analysis. Clin Rehabil;20:97–111.
3.Veerbeek JM, Koolstra M, Ket JC, van Wegen EE, Kwakkel G (2011). Effects of augmented exercise therapy on outcome of gait and gait-related activities in the first 6 months after stroke: a meta-analysis. Stroke;42:3311–3315.
4.Graven C, Brock K, Hill K, Joubert L (2011). Are rehabilitation and/or care co-ordination interventions delivered in the community effective in reducing depression, facilitating participation and improving quality of life after stroke? Disabil Rehabil;33:1501–1520.
5.Chen MD, Rimmer JH (2011). Effects of exercise on quality of life in stroke survivors: a meta-analysis. Stroke;42:832–837.
6.Cumming TB, Tyedin K, Churilov L, Morris ME, Bernhardt J (2012). The effect of physical activity on cognitive function after stroke: a systematic review. Int Psychogeriatr;24:557–567