Can fitness training improve outcomes following a stroke?

This review explored whether physical fitness training plays a role in reducing disability, dependence and mortality following strokes.

Physical fitness refers to how easily a person can perform physical activities. When physical fitness is low, even daily activities such as climbing stairs or walking can become exerting. Low physical fitness is often seen in patients following a stroke, as muscle function and control may have been damaged. Fitness training (exercise) aims to increase physical fitness, and is known to increase overall health and quality of life. However, whether or not fitness training can reduce disabilities or increase the recovery of stroke patients is still unclear. The current review examined the role of physical fitness training following strokes.

Forty-five studies were examined, including a total of 2188 stroke patients. Patients received cardiorespiratory training (such as walking), resistance training (such as weight lifting), or a combination of the two. Level of disability, dependence on others, mortality, adverse events (such as additional strokes or falls) and overall quality of life were assessed.

Overall, cardiorespiratory training offered the clearest benefit to the level of disability among stroke patients. Studies showed that cardiorespiratory training was associated with a significant increase in walking speed (a 7.37 meter/minute improvement) and improved balance. Combined training also led to improved balance, and a 4.54 meter/minute walking speed improvement. Resistance training, however, was not associated with any significant benefit. While training programs did not appear to cause any adverse effects, there was not sufficient evidence to determine the effects of training on quality of life or overall mortality.

This review concluded that cardiorespiratory training can lead to improved walking and balance following a stroke. Further research is needed to determine whether fitness training can lead to improvements in quality of life or mortality rates.

Discuss with your physician regarding the optimal training to reduce disabilities and dependence following strokes.

Discuss with your physician the benefits and risks of fitness training.