Priority 9 Stroke Rehabilitation and Long-term Care

Physical health is important for recovery and maintenance of activities of daily living, and to reduce the risk of secondary stroke. However, levels of physical activity, cardiorespiratory fitness, muscle strength and power are low after stroke [Ref. 4]. Strategies to improve strength and fitness may be complex as stroke survivors may experience additional stroke-related impairments including fatigue, muscle control problems and cognitive problems. Interventions to increase physical fitness could reduce mortality and reduce disability through increased function. However further well‐designed randomised trials are needed to determine the optimal exercise prescription, the range of benefits and any long‐term benefits. (Saunders et al, see Evidence).

Ref 4: RCP National Clinical Guidelines

There are a number of Cochrane reviews looking at different forms of strength and fitness training in stroke, these include:

English C, Hillier SL, Lynch EA. Circuit class therapy for improving mobility after stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2017, Issue 6. Art. No.: CD007513. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007513

Saunders DH, Sanderson M, Hayes S, Johnson L, Kramer S, Carter DD, Jarvis H, Brazzelli M, Mead GE. Physical fitness training for stroke patients. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD003316. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003316.pub7