Exercise after stroke: Rebuilding strength, stamina and more

Those who have survived a stroke may struggle with new and unfamiliar weakness in the body afterwards. One side simply cannot lift as well as before or they may struggle to even lift their feet. Physical and occupational therapy can help you to regain mobility, and pursuing exercise after stroke can also be a rewarding way to rebuild your strength.

Vascular neurologist Forrest Lowe, MD, offered advice for stroke survivors and their loved ones on creating a fitness routine that can help aid in recovery and build strength for the future.

How stroke can affect your strength, endurance and more

“Stroke is associated with one-sided weakness, as the damage done to the brain can cause paralysis on one side of the body,” said Dr. Lowe. “This makes regular movement more difficult or uncomfortable.”

Stroke can also lead to issues with:

• Muscle tone: Muscles may become too stiff or too loose, changing how you move and making your daily routine feel difficult to manage.
• Exhaustion and fatigue: Healing is a tiring process for your body, especially when healing from the kind of significant damage caused by a stroke. Even basic tasks may feel like they take far more energy than they did before.
• Loss of balance: You are at a higher risk for becoming injured after a fall, since surviving a stroke often leaves you struggling with lack of coordination, dizziness or feeling less able to control your movements.

“Early recovery often focuses heavily on rest,” said Dr. Lowe. “Due to moving around less, you may see a loss of endurance or realize your muscles are losing size and strength. This could result in a cycle of less activity leading to less muscle, which makes you tire quickly, which leads to loss of strength and so on and so forth.”

Inactivity could lead to a heightened risk for heart and other vascular problems in the future.

What types of exercise are recommended during stroke recovery?

“It can be helpful to think of it in terms of what you’re hoping to gain from your post-stroke fitness plan,” said Dr. Lowe. “Ask yourself, are you looking to focus on regaining strength in your arms and legs, building more endurance and stamina or increasing range of motion?”

Useful exercises include:

• Strength training
  • Lifting weights
  • Tai chi
  • Pilates
  • Calisthenics
• Flexibility and range of motion training
  • YogaDynamic stretchingStatic stretching
  • Joint mobility exercises
• Aerobic exercise and gait training
  • Stationary bike
• • Walking
• • Water aerobics
  • Elliptical

How often should you exercise while recovering after a stroke?

“When you first start exercising after your stroke, stick to 10 minutes of exercise about four times a week at a moderate intensity,” said Dr. Lowe. “Remember, healing is hard work in and of itself, and your body may not be able to return to the level of fitness you previously enjoyed right away. Take it easy and give yourself time.”

After the initial recovery period, returning to the standard 30 minutes of brisk exercise each day, five days a week is usually very doable. Dr. Lowe recommended cutting it back slightly to two or three days a week if you’re focusing on strength training.

Will exercising really help me recover after my stroke?

“Absolutely,” said Dr. Lowe. “The body was built to be moving, and getting back into motion after your stroke can help improve not just your physical health, but also your mental and cognitive health as well.”

Those who exercise after experiencing a stroke also reduce their risk of experiencing another stroke or cardiovascular condition in the future and are at a decreased risk for falls.

“Check with a healthcare professional prior to initiating or changing any exercise regimen post-stroke,” said Dr. Lowe. “The physical or occupational therapists you work with as part of your care team may be able to work with you to put together a list of the best exercises to help you reach your goals while prioritizing safety.”