According to the American Heart Association, 700 000 Americans suffer a stroke each year. Stroke survivors typically experience muscular weakness, impaired dexterity, diminished joint range of motion and uncoordinated movement, according to Peter Lum and Carolynn Paton of Stanford University. Exercise is proving to be beneficial for stroke survivors, improving their physiological and psychological well being. The American Heart Association recommends a training regimen including aerobic, strength, flexibility and neuromuscular conditioning.
Aerobic Conditioning
Aerobic exercise should focus on large muscle group conditioning such as walking, stationary bike riding or arm ergometry. These exercises build endurance, increase independence and decrease cardiovascular disease, according to the American Heart Association. Aerobic activity should be performed three to seven days a week, for 20 to 60 minutes. Sessions can be divided into 10-minute segments. Bruce Dobkin, in "The New England Journal of Medicine," writes that aerobic exercise is beneficial to a stroke survivor even if initiated years after the stroke.
Strength Training
To build muscular strength and endurance, patients should incorporate strength training into their daily activity. Free weights, elastic band weights, weight machines or isometric exercises can be used to increase strength for activities of daily living such as cooking, getting dressed, grocery shopping and self-grooming. The American Heart Association recommends strength training exercises incorporating eight to 10 exercises of major muscle groups; for example, arm curls, elbow extensions, leg extensions, leg curls and arm raises; each exercise to increase strength of the arm, leg and shoulder muscles. Exercises should include one to three sets of 10 to 15 repetitions, two to three days per week.
Flexibility Training
Stretching increases range of motion of the extremities and decreases the likelihood of muscular contracture or tight, shortened muscles. Flexibility training is usually performed before and after aerobic exercise, two to three days per week, holding each stretch for at least 30 seconds. Muscles of the neck, low back, shoulders, chest, calves and thighs should be included, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
Neuromuscular Training
Balance is the ability to hold our body in a constant, upright position while performing other tasks; balance keeps us from falling. After a stroke, balance is affected, leaving a patient unable to function independently. Neuromuscular training focuses upon improving coordination and balance. Doing so increases independence and confidence in walking, standing and fine motor skills using the hands and fingers. Exercises may include: standing on one leg with assistance and manipulating and moving small objects with the hands and fingers, according to the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City.
References
- The American Heart Association: Physical Activity and Exercise Recommendations for Stroke Survivors
- Stanford University: Effect of Strength Training on Upper-Limb Function in Post-Stroke Patients
- "New England Journal of Medicine"; Bruce Dobkin; 2005
- Hospital for Special Surgery: Exercise for Healthy Aging
