Exercise After Stroke

Stroke, is a brain attack which happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off.  Stroke, is the 3rd most common cause of death and the most common cause of disability within the UK 1 . The stroke survivor may be left with significant cognitive and physical impairment, a stroke may cause feelings of isolation, depression and vulnerability. My goal is to work with you after the stroke, following medical clearance, helping you become happy and healthy. I want you to recover function and reduce the risk of further stroke. Small changes to help you lower blood pressure, eat more healthily and be more active can make big differences.

Will exercise with you make me better? Every stroke is different, every recovery is different. In my experience its very, very unlikely that  any therapist can restore 100% prior stroke function. However, research has indicated that exercise can help address some post stroke issues. A study found that physical exercise after stroke has produced benefits in walking speed, independence and endurance 2. Other studies found walking speed and tolerance increased with cardiovascular or mixed exercise 3. There was also data which indicated improved physical and social confidence from participating in group exercise 4. Evidence therefore suggests a tailored exercise programme will help you overall.

Will exercise prevent further strokes? The risk of having a stroke survivor having a further stroke is great. However, there is evidence to suggest exercise reduces the initial risk of stroke 5.  There is also evidence that has shown that blood pressure, cholesterol, weight, platelet aggregation and insulin insensitivity are all reduced by the effect of exercise. Exercise may have the potential to improve post stroke health which is typically worse in stroke survivors than their age matched counterparts 6. Evidence suggests our exercise programme will help you get fitter and help you address many of the causes of stroke. This may reduce the risk of further strokes although there is currently no empirical evidence.

How can recuperative pt help? I offer a private training program. My program is evidenced based, this means that you will only be taught techniques where research has positively linked the technique to an improvement in function and health within the stroke survivor population. The programme includes stroke-specific resistance training techniques, aerobic exercise to reduce the risk of stroke and flexibility stretches to address tonal changes. The program is designed to help you progressively recover lost strength, balance and movement by functional task-related practice. The programme has been developed in co-operation with the UK forum for Stroke Training and Edinburgh University and is validated by Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. It is the only post stroke course recognised by Skills for Care, PD Approval and CIMPSA. I appear on the CIMSPA register as an Exercise After Stroke Instructor. I am trained to cater specifically for the needs of stroke survivors, the course I teach includes adapted exercises written for stroke survivors which are then tailored further for your personal needs. I have previously worked at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability, Putney where I worked clients recovering from stroke and ABI.  

How do I access your program? Go to my 'make your move' page by clicking here

References

1.Stroke Association (2019) ‘What is Stroke’ available at (Accessed: 28 January 2019)

2 English, C., Hillier S.L. (2010) Circuit class therapy for improving mobility after stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Issue 7: CD007513

3.Saunders, D.H. et al. (2016) Physical fitness training for stroke patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Issue 3 Art No: CD003316

4.Fitness After Stroke. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 12 (1), pp. 1-16.Saunders, D.H., Greig, C.A. and Mead, G.E. (2014) Physical Activity and Exercise after Stroke- Review of Meaningful Benefits. Stroke, 45(1), pp 3742-3747.

5. Willey JZ, Moon YP, Paik MC, Boden-Albala B, Sacco RL, Elkind MSV. Physical activity and risk of ischemic stroke in the Northern Manhattan Study. Neurology. 2009 November 24, 2009;73(21):1774

6. Ivey, F. M., Macko, R. F., Ryan, A. S. and Hafer-Macko, C. E. (2005). Cardiovascular Health and Fitness After Stroke. Topics in Stroke Rehabilitation, 12 (1), pp. 1-16

7. Department of Health (2001). Exercise Referral Systems: A national quality assurance framework. London: The stationary office.