{"id":6245,"date":"2019-07-09T09:45:58","date_gmt":"2019-07-09T16:45:58","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/medicalfitnessnetwork.org\/?p=6245"},"modified":"2019-07-05T12:19:05","modified_gmt":"2019-07-05T19:19:05","slug":"importance-exercise-following-stroke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/medfitnetwork.org\/public\/all-mfn\/importance-exercise-following-stroke\/","title":{"rendered":"The Importance of Exercise Following A Stroke"},"content":{"rendered":"

According to the American Heart Association, 700,000 people annually in the United States\u00a0suffer a stroke.(1)<\/sub>\u00a0 The incidence of stroke is likely to continue to escalate because of an expanding\u00a0population of elderly Americans; a growing epidemic of diabetes, obesity, and physical inactivity among\u00a0the general population; and a greater prevalence of heart failure patients.(2)<\/sub><\/p>\n

Following a stroke, survivors will often work with Physical and Occupational Therapists to restore strength and control through exercise programs. However, most insurance companies only pay for a certain number of therapy sessions per calendar year which can leave a gap in the rehabilitation process. It’s important to continue the exercises that a physical therapist has prescribed and progress safely through an exercise program to regain strength and functional movement. This is where a certified personal trainer with experience in rehabilitative exercises can come in. A certified personal trainer can be part of the healthcare team and can design a program which is both safe and functional. \u00a0Walking, flexibility exercises, and light strength training can help a stroke survivor continue on the path of rehabilitation. Swimming is also another beneficial form of exercise if a pool is available.<\/p>\n

\"\"Another benefit of exercise for stroke survivors is prevention of recurrent stroke or heart attack,\u00a0which occurs frequently in people who have had a stroke.(3)<\/sub> \u00a0Reducing risk factors can decrease the\u00a0incidence of recurrent strokes and coronary events. An aerobic conditioning program can enhance\u00a0glucose regulation and promote decreases in body weight and fat stores, blood pressure, C-reactive\u00a0protein, and levels of total blood cholesterol, serum triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein\u00a0cholesterol.(4)\u00a0<\/sub>Exercise also increases high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and improves blood rheology,\u00a0hemostatic variables, and coronary endothelial function.(5)<\/sub><\/p>\n

It is very important that a personal trainer communicate with healthcare professionals about their\u00a0client after a stroke, including the physician and physical & occupational therapists to best help the\u00a0client. Safety should always come first when exercising. Overexertion and pain should always be\u00a0avoided. Decrease in balance, spasticity(6)<\/sub>, memory, and fatigue is common after a stroke. Like\u00a0everyone else, stroke survivors will have good days and bad days. However, modification of exercises\u00a0can help after a stroke to get individuals on the path to better physical health.<\/p>\n

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Kris Pritchett Cameron is the owner of ReNu Your Life Fitness & Neuro Wellness<\/a> in Cedar Rapids, Iowa and a certified personal trainer through the American Council on Exercise. Kris has dedicated over 20 years to the health and fitness of others. Kris has worked with all ages from children to the elderly, but her specialty is medical fitness and working with older adults. With a background in healthcare and physical rehabilitation, Kris has experience working with clients who have orthopedic injuries, arthritis, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s Disease, Alzheimer’s, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, osteoporosis, bariatric surgery, mental disorders, and stroke.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

References<\/strong><\/p>\n