Strokes strike approximately 700,000 people within the United States every year, with about one-third of them being a second or third stroke, says Medical News Today. The effects of a stroke can be devastating to a patient and his entire family. Modifications in lifestyle are often required as everyone involved learns to cope with the situation.
Definition
A stroke occurs when the blood flow to your brain is temporarily disrupted, either through a burst blood vessel or blood clot. The Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia says that 50 to 70 percent of stroke survivors deal with some degree of residual motor impairment. Symptoms of a stroke include sudden vision problems, tingling in your face or arm, a sudden loss of strength or sudden mental confusion. The results of a stroke can vary in severity. You may have mild vision and balance problems or muscle weakness, or you may be paralyzed on one side of your body, blind in one or both eyes or dead.
Post Stroke Exercises
Exercises that will benefit a stroke survivor include walking, riding a stationary bike and various range of motion and flexibility exercises as set forth by your therapist. Strength training is also beneficial to build up weakened muscles. Include as many major muscle groups as you can with manageable weights to help rebuild your strength. The University of Maryland Medical Center suggests walking at least 50 feet each day to help prevent deep vein thrombosis. Exercising in a pool is a gentle way to get your body moving and can help you overcome any balance problems you may be experiencing after the stroke.
Benefits
The benefits of exercise for a stroke survivor are many. Aside from the usual benefits of improved strength, muscle tone, lower cholesterol and cardiovascular fitness, a stroke survivor can reduce the likelihood of a second stroke by exercising regularly. Often, it is the second or even third stroke that results in serious disability or death. Exercise after a stroke will also help the survivor retrain his muscles and enable him to retain his independence.
Frequency
If you are still able to get around after your stroke, it is recommended that you aim for 20 minutes of some type of aerobic activity, three to seven times per week, says Medical News Today. Your doctor or therapist will likely create a more detailed plan, taking into account your limitations and overall condition. Strength training to help rebuild damaged muscles is advised at least two times per week.
Considerations
Perform any post-stroke exercise under the close supervision of your therapist and doctor to avoid reaching outside your limits. Be sure you have full clearance by your medical team before you begin to exercise, but don't wait too long before bringing it up because inactivity is dangerous for stroke survivors.
References
- Medical News Today: Stroke Survivors Benefit from Exercise 20 Minutes 3 to 7 Times a Week
- Physiotherapy Association of British Columbia: Early Exercise Intervention Key for Stroke Rehabilitation
- Inside Out Physiotherapy: Exercise and Chronic Stroke Survivors
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Post-Stroke Rehabilitation Fact Sheet
