Each year, the lives of hundreds of thousands of Americans change dramatically because of unexpected strokes. Survivors often face the daunting task of overcoming physical and cognitive deficits. The road to recovery can be long and challenging, but new research illuminates a crucial aid in this journey: exercise.
A groundbreaking study published in JAMA Network Open demonstrates that at least four hours of light to moderate-intensity physical activity per week can significantly bolster functional recovery within the first six months after a stroke.
Unraveling the Effect of Physical Activity on Stroke Recovery
The research, conducted on 1,367 stroke survivors, unveiled two specific patterns of physical activity following a stroke: a group referred to as the “increasers,” who experienced a marked rise in activity levels, and a “decreaser” group who reported a significant drop in their activity….