Exercise that gets the heart pumping can ‘significantly’ boost brain function after a stroke, according to new research.
The benefits of physical activity in stroke survivors has been discussed in detail, with many suggesting it makes the difference between independence and dependence.
Now a new analysis of 736 stroke patients from a range of different studies has found some of the strongest links yet, saying ‘physical activity training led to significantly greater cognitive gains.’
Exercises that combined aerobic exercise with stretching, toning, and balance training produced the most remarkable results.
Lauren E. Oberlin, from the University of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA, said an exercise programme lasting just 12 weeks can be effective.
Patients who waited more than two years to begin exercising following a stroke still experienced improvements in ‘attention and processing speed.’
She said: “We found that a program as short as 12 weeks is effective at improving cognition, and even patients with chronic stroke can experience improvement in their cognition with an exercise intervention.
“This has substantial effects on quality of life and functional improvement.
“What's really striking is that a total of ten studies looked at exercise effects in chronic stroke, and across those 10 studies individuals started exercising on average more than two and a half years after stroke and still experienced cognitive improvement.”
Oberlin presented her findings at the recent International Stroke Conference (ISC) 2017, based her findings on data taken from 736 stroke patients enrolled in 14 trials.
She said: “Physical activity shouldn't be overlooked as a way to promote cognitive recovery after a stroke.
”Integrating aerobic training into rehabilitation is very important, and for patients with mobility limitations, exercise can be modified so they can still experience increases in their fitness levels.”
Stroke is the fourth single largest cause of death in the UK and second in the world, killing twice as many women as breast cancer and more men than prostate and testicular cancer combined a year.
It is estimated that the direct cost of stroke to the NHS is £2.8 billion a year, as many victims are left permanently disabled.
Dr Simon Kirwilliam, principal clinical psychologist at London’s prestigious neurology centre Queen Square Private Healthcare, welcomed the new research and said exercise can have ‘impressive’ results for those who’ve suffered a chronic stroke.
He explained: "Many studies have demonstrated improved cognition with increased exercise among healthy individuals, both young and old.
"Indeed, it would be intuitive to think that exercise would also be beneficial to the cognitive health of individuals who have suffered a stroke.
"This new meta-analyses confirms the anecdotal evidence that we see with our patients that remain more active, and certainly should be considered as part of the rehabilitation process post-stroke.
"Most impressive is the positive impact exercise can have in chronic stroke, suggesting there is hope for continued gains of some degree many years following the initial event.”
The NHS acknowledges that physiotherapy will always be offered as part of a patient’s rehabilitation.
UK charity The Stroke Association advise that exercise should only be undertaken once you’ve ‘recovered enough’ from a stroke’
It said: "If you have recently had a stroke, you may not be able to exercise regularly straight away.
"You should only start exercising once you have recovered enough and do as much as is manageable for you. Talk to your doctor about what is right for you.”
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