With the daily stresses of life and unhealthy habits at an all time high, research suggests that individuals suffering strokes has increased four-fold. Everyone seems to be aware that exercise is good for one’s health, and for stroke survivors this statement is no different. Stroke survivors will come to face several barriers to becoming physically active such as disability, fatigue, or even depression. While this may be a slow start, stroke survivors should slowly uncover ways to work around physical barriers. Physical activity is imperative to help survivors recover as well as help them prevent a second stroke from occurring. As tough as it may be for the patient to start, physically activity plays a big role in the stroke rehabilitation process, and once the individual starts to see the benefits, it will be hard for them to stop.
• Individualisation for every stroke survivor
There are four main categories which need to be considered when prescribing an exercise program:
Patients with severe limitations will have their program adapted accordingly and therefore may do their exercises sitting in a chair and obtain support from the Biokineticist in doing range of motion exercises with their affected limbs.
Patients with moderate limitations will have the opportunity to participate in hydrotherapy where their affected limbs are not affected by gravity, giving them added confidence in moving their limbs without much weight.
Patients with mild limitations have further options with regards to their rehabilitation process. These patients may be able to include swimming, walking and/or using a recumbent stationary bike or other equipment in there exercise prescription program.
Patients with no functional limitations will be able to participate in all forms of physical activity and is important that they do in order to keep their lifestyle an active and healthy one.
• Benefits of physical activity after having a stroke
Improves heart function
Improves lipid profile by lowering total cholesterol
It lowers blood pressure in addition to one’s resting heart rate
Reduces the risk and severity of diabetes by increasing insulin sensitivity
Improves strength, balance, endurance along with long-term brain health
Physical activity can enhance the stroke survivor’s self-confidence and may also reduce the risk of anxiety and depression.
For stroke survivors, the above benefits can mean the difference between dependence and independence.
1. Endurance (Aerobic Exercise)
This will help improve the patient’s heart and lung capacity as well as their fitness levels; it will assist in reducing fatigue in addition to increasing their energy levels in order for the individual to be more active throughout the day. A consistent aerobic activity program will help the individual improve strength, balance, walking, and performing day to day activities. It will help improve function of the affected limb/s. The program will also aid in improving heart health, lowering blood pressure as well as improving mood and the stroke survivor’s quality of life.
2. Strength (Anaerobic Exercise)
A strength program will focus on improving the patient’s muscle strength making day to day activities such as climbing stairs, carrying groceries or even getting up from a chair much easier.
3. Balance
Balance will make it a great deal easier for the individual to move around in a confident manner without increasing their risk of falling and injuring themselves.
4. Stretching
Stretching will assist in keeping the individuals muscles relaxed which will aid in keeping the joints mobile in order for them to reach simple objectives like getting dressed on a day to day basis more easily.
In conclusion, the onset of a stroke is a traumatic and daunting event for both, the person having the stroke as well as for their family. An individual may possibly go from complete independence to complete dependence in a matter of minutes. Exercise within the rehabilitation process plays a critical role in ensuring the patient the best quality of life possible through independence as well as the prevention of a second stroke.
