Every year, 15 million people in the world experience a stroke. Strokes involve damage to the brain or spinal cord, and the effects vary based on its location and severity.
No matter where the stroke occurs, it impacts the survivor’s physical fitness level. Stroke survivors are often physically inactive and spend a lot of time sedentary. In fact, heart and lung fitness is often cut in half as stroke survivors become less active. That inactivity can lead to lower energy levels, reduced aerobic capacity and higher triglyceride levels — a risk factor for future strokes.
Returning to previous activity levels can be challenging after a stroke. But working toward it is important to recovery, especially because good cardiovascular health is the best way to protect yourself from another stroke. Most rehabilitation programs focus on helping survivors regain lost function and mobility, such as the ability to walk and climb stairs, which allows for increased cardiovascular activity.
What you may feel after having a stroke
The muscles on the affected side of your body change after a stroke. You may find it difficult to do simple things, like raise one arm over your head. You may feel weak, sluggish or clumsy. Even something simple like getting out of bed in the morning may be difficult.
On the other hand, you may feel like you can jump right back into your old exercise routine, particularly if you were an active person beforehand. It’s important to take it easy. A stroke can affect your body in many ways; some that may not be immediately apparent. For example, walking short distances may now leave you out of breath when you used to run several miles a day.
Rehabilitation for stroke survivors
Many stroke survivors go straight from the hospital to a rehabilitation program, with the goal of re-establishing as much independence as possible.
Therapists work to improve the patients’ lower extremity strength and coordination. Gait rehabilitation is an essential component of recovery because it helps with a stroke survivor’s walking ability and speed. It also helps with balance and to reduce the risk of falls.
Using advanced technology, physical therapists can motivate stroke survivors to perform repetitive, rehabilitative movements by introducing fun, engaging therapies. Research has found that when someone enjoys an activity, he can temporarily forget about the long road to recovery.
But one area that’s missing from most rehabilitation plans for stroke survivors is cardiovascular exercise. A study found that the rehabilitation programs for heart attack survivors typically include aerobic activities, while those for stroke survivors don’t. The study suggested that people rehabilitating from a stroke can enhance their health and mobility by taking part in aerobic exercises.
The benefits of cardiovascular exercise after a stroke
Exercise can improve mental health and cognition. And movement floods the brain with endorphins, leading to a better mood and increased motivation.
Because stroke survivors have about half the cardiovascular fitness of people who haven’t had a stroke, improving heart and lung health should be a critical part of the rehabilitation process.
Improving the aerobic fitness of survivors can reduce the risk of death after a stroke. Exercise can also reduce the risk of another stroke because it lowers your blood pressure, resting heart rate, and triglyceride levels and increases your body’s ability to break down clots. Plus, having a stronger heart and lungs makes it easier to participate in day-to-day activities.
High-intensity interval training (HIIT) can also help improve the gait in people able to walk after a stroke, but who have trouble with movement and coordination. Research has found, HIIT helps with cardiovascular function and motor skills after stroke and enhances neuroplasticity. When joining HIIT training, it is important to listen to your own body and not to overdo it!
In addition to aerobic exercise, stroke survivors should consider incorporating strength, stretching, and balance training into their routines. These activities can help increase flexibility, coordination, and muscle tone. Also, yoga might be a good option for stroke survivors.
Incorporating cardiovascular exercise into your routine
Cardiorespiratory training should be incorporated in the daily routine of stroke survivors. A walking program is a great way to start. You can work your way up to two or three walks a week, for 30 minutes or longer at a time. Find a friend to join you — exercise buddies make great accountability partners.
If walking without supervision is not advised, a personal trainer may be an option. Other great options are swimming or pool exercises that can be easier on your joints and muscles.
Cardiovascular training with robotic rehabilitation devices
Cyclic sports that activate several large muscle groups are ideal for cardiovascular training. Good examples are cycling, walking, hiking, handcycling or swimming.
For neurologic patients, many forms of exercise are limited or not possible at all, especially in the early rehabilitation phase. Robotic devices can help. Therapy devices support the patient to perform movements such as cycling. In the early rehabilitation phase, it is the goal to activate the cardiovascular system and gradually reintroduce the joints and muscles to various forms of movement. The exercise has not to be perfect yet!
Omego Plus is a robotic therapy device designed for lower extremity rehabilitation. One of the highlights of Omego Plus is the individually adjustable therapy chair. In the early rehabilitation phase, patients can train with Omego Plus in a lying, later sitting, and towards the end of rehabilitation, almost in a standing position. Step by step patients work towards an upright gait. The verticalization feature of Omego Plus fosters a large patient range in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
In addition to the classic cycling function, Omego Plus also offers the functions leg press, stepper and ankle training. Patients use Omego Plus to train the four parameters needed for a safe, upright gait: Walking ability, walking distance, walking speed and balance.
