Strokes, also known as cerebrovascular accidents, occur in the brain and are caused by a number of contributing factors, such as narrowed or clogged arteries leading to the brain. Arteries carry blood-rich oxygen and nutrients to the brain tissue, so any reduction of this flow might cause a stroke, which may contribute to paralysis, loss of motor function and memory, and sometimes death. Exercise and rehabilitation might help reduce long-term damage caused by a stroke, and might help you regain optimal physical and mental function for increased quality of life.
Definition
A hemorrhagic stroke is typically one caused by a blood clot or bleeding in the brain, which can lead to swelling of tissues around the torn artery or vein in the brain. A hemorrhagic stroke is defined as either a intracerebral or subarachnoid hemorrhage, meaning either bleeding inside the brain or bleeding between protective coverings of the brain, of which there are inner and outer layers.
Timeliness
Exercises and rehabilitation begun within one to two days following a stroke might go furthest in dramatically increasing your chances of recovering muscle function and neuromuscular coordination after a cerebral event. Your doctor will make sure your brain is not experiencing any bleeding or swelling prior to exercise or rehabilitative activities. You might have to wait for rehabilitative therapy following surgery to repair damage to burst or damaged vessels in the brain.
Treadmill
You might be encouraged to walk on a treadmill following a hemorrhagic stroke, which might help improve your motor function. Any type of exercise and its intensity will depend on the severity of your stroke; the treatments employed; your age, overall condition and health; and your doctor's recommendations. Studies with rats have shown that treadmill exercise within 24 hours following a bleed to the brain might help reduce neurological damage and reduce additional swelling in the brain.
Stationary Bike
Riding a stationary bike is designed to increase oxygenation levels, capacity and volume for stroke patients. Improving coordination, speed and endurance are the main goals of post-stroke exercises, as well as increasing strength and motor function, according to the program recommendations for stroke patients as defined by "Circulation Journal" and the American Heart Association.
Weight Training
Weight lifting and strength training using free weights, resistance bands or tubes, or body weight are designed to increase function, range of motion, and flexibility and coordination in stroke patients. Two to three days a week are recommended to help prevent complications and to increase coordination and balance.
