Exercising After a Stroke: How Physical Activity Can Improve Your Life

A stroke is a life-changing event that can affect various aspects of a person’s health, from motor control to cognitive function. This occurs when the blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted, leading to brain cell damage. This interruption can be caused by either a blockage in the arteries (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of a blood vessel (haemorrhagic stroke).
The damage caused by a stroke can vary depending on the area of the brain affected and the severity of the event. A stroke may impact a variety of physical and cognitive functions, including movement, speech, memory, balance, and coordination. As a result, many stroke survivors experience challenges such as weakness or paralysis on one side of the body, difficulty walking, or impaired motor skills. These challenges can be overwhelming, but with the right support, stroke survivors can regain independence and improve their quality of life.

Before beginning the science-y things let's just remind you of the things you can see and recognise the events that can be evident in a stroke. Things that may occur to people can be a droopy face, unresponsive arms, slurred speech and the time in which this occurred and you respond. These can help save a life if it is something that you remember and notice:

​The effects of a stroke can range from mild to severe and often depend on the location and extent of brain damage. Here are some of the most common challenges stroke survivors face:

1. Weakness or Paralysis: One of the most common outcomes of a stroke is muscle weakness or paralysis, often affecting one side of the body (hemiparesis or hemiplegia). This can make everyday tasks like walking, dressing, or even eating more difficult.
2. Balance and Coordination Issues: Strokes can impair the body’s ability to balance and coordinate movement, which can increase the risk of falls and make mobility more challenging.
3. Speech and Swallowing Problems: Many stroke survivors experience difficulty with speech (aphasia) or swallowing (dysphagia). These issues can impact communication and nutrition.
4. Cognitive and Emotional Changes: A stroke can affect memory, concentration, and even emotional health. Anxiety, depression, and mood swings are common after a stroke, making it important to address mental health as part of the recovery process.

The Role of Exercise in Recovery
Whether you’re a stroke survivor or supporting someone who is, understanding how exercise can help is key to making a successful recovery. After experiencing a stroke, the road to recovery can feel daunting, but it’s important to remember that exercise plays a vital role in regaining strength, mobility, and overall quality of life. Here’s how exercise can benefit stroke survivors:

• Boosting Cardiovascular Health: Stroke survivors are at an increased risk of heart disease and high blood pressure, so cardiovascular exercise (such as walking, cycling, or swimming) is important for maintaining heart health and preventing further complications. Regular cardio activity can help improve circulation, oxygenate the brain, and support overall recovery.
• Improving Strength and Mobility: Targeted exercises can help rebuild strength in weakened muscles and improve joint flexibility. Even simple exercises, like lifting light weights or using resistance bands, can significantly improve mobility, allowing stroke survivors to regain their independence and perform daily tasks more easily.
• Enhancing Balance and Coordination: Balance exercises, such as standing on one leg or practicing walking on uneven surfaces, can help restore coordination and reduce the risk of falls. Activities like tai chi or yoga are also excellent for improving balance, flexibility, and posture.
• Improving Mental Health: Exercise has long been shown to have a positive impact on mental health. It can help reduce anxiety, improve mood, and boost overall well-being. For stroke survivors, engaging in physical activity can also offer a sense of accomplishment and control during the recovery process, which can help alleviate feelings of frustration and sadness.
• Preventing Complications: Regular exercise can reduce the risk of further strokes or other health complications like blood clots, high cholesterol, or diabetes. By staying active, stroke survivors can manage their health more effectively and improve their long-term prognosis.

When it comes to exercising after a stroke, it's important to start slow and progress gradually. Always consult with a doctor or have a thorough discussion with your other health professionals before beginning any exercise program. Here are some types of exercise that can be beneficial for stroke survivors:

• Strength Training: Focus on exercises that target the muscles on the weaker side of the body. Using light weights or resistance bands can help rebuild muscle strength.
• Aerobic Exercise: Activities like walking, cycling, swimming, or using a treadmill can help improve cardiovascular health. Start with short sessions and gradually increase the duration and intensity as you build stamina.
• Balance and Coordination Exercises: Incorporate balance exercises into your routine, such as standing on one leg or walking in a straight line. Activities like tai chi, yoga, and dancing can be helpful for improving coordination and flexibility.
• Stretching: Stretching exercises can help improve flexibility and reduce stiffness in muscles and joints, making it easier to move.
• Hand and Finger Exercises: If you’re experiencing hand or arm weakness, exercises that focus on finger and hand movements, such as squeezing a soft ball or doing finger stretches, can be helpful for regaining dexterity.

Safety Tips When Exercising After a Stroke
Exercising after a stroke requires caution and patience. Here are some safety tips to help ensure a safe and effective exercise routine:

• Start Slowly: Begin with low-impact exercises and gradually increase intensity as your strength and confidence grow. Pay attention to how your body responds during and after exercise. If you feel fatigued, dizzy, or in pain, stop and rest.
• Stay Consistent: Regular exercise is key to making progress. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, broken down into manageable sessions.
• Seek Professional Guidance: Work with a healthcare professional, physical therapist, or exercise physiologist to design an exercise program tailored to your specific needs and abilities.

Exercising after a stroke may seem overwhelming at first, but with the right approach, it can significantly improve both physical and emotional well-being. By focusing on strength, mobility, balance, and cardiovascular health, stroke survivors can regain independence and lead an active, fulfilling life. Always consult with your healthcare team before starting a new exercise routine to ensure it’s safe and effective for your specific condition.
Remember, recovery is a journey, and every step forward, no matter how small, is a victory. With time, perseverance, and the right exercise program, you can rebuild your strength, improve your quality of life, and take control of your health once again.

​Written by
Thomas Harrison

Extra Resources
Stroke Foundation Australia, Fact Sheets for things to manage after a stroke including exercise: https://strokefoundation.org.au/what-we-do/for-survivors-and-carers/after-stroke-factsheets

Exercise Right, Guidelines for Exercise with a Stroke: https://exerciseright.com.au/stroke/