Exercise for Strokes
For most people, exercise is one of the last things they would think of doing after a stroke, but research shows that getting moving again is one of the best things you can do to speed up your recovery.
Indeed, a recent Danish study showed that among stroke survivors, those who exercised the most, both before and after the stroke, experienced less severe strokes and recovered better. Thus exercise may not only help you to recover quicker after a stroke, it may also mean less potential damage from future strokes.
However, according to researchers, only around half of all stroke victims exercise regularly, meaning that thousands of stroke survivors are denying themselves one of the most powerful tools in their recovery and rehabilitation. Of course, it is important that you talk with your doctor about this. Getting a doctor's advice – or that of another, appropriate health professional – will ensure that you exercise safely and effectively.
There are all sorts of options for exercising – any type of cardio exercise will help, from swimming to jogging, dancing to riding a bike, whatever you are able to do regularly and enjoy.
Depending on the effects of your stroke, movement may be difficult at first – in this case you should have a program of physiotherapy to rehab you and get you moving again. Once you are able to move, there are all sorts of ways you can increase your activity levels:
- Aim for at least thirty minutes of exercise three to four times per week. The more you can do, the better.
- Look for ways to be more active in everyday life. Park a little further from your destination in order to walk more; take the stairs rather than the lift if you are able; get up and move around regularly if you have a sedentary lifestyle.
- Fight gravity! Water sports (swimming or water aerobics) are great for people with limited mobility, or you could even try chair aerobics.
- If you need to use a cane or a walker, use them as part of your exercise program. Your physical therapist can show you how to incorporate an assistive device into a healthy exercise program.
How does exercise help you to recover from a stroke? It benefits you in numerous ways:
- It helps to control your cholesterol levels: Exercise increases “good” cholesterol, which can help to prevent another stroke.
- It helps reduce high blood pressure: Regular exercise reduces high blood pressure
- It controls weight: Keeping your weight down is vital for many people in reducing their risk of another stroke. And even if you’re already at a healthy weight, exercise will help with weight management
- It fights depression: Depression is common after a stroke – exercise is the most effective way to fight depression.
For all these reasons and more, exercise is essential for anyone who has suffered a stroke.
