The study initiated by researchers from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland said that a stroke often occurs in elderly people who have lost their muscular strength over the years and the stroke further weakens the body by causing many neurological problems, which may affect the body’s ability to move.
1147 individuals, who had suffered from a stroke, were given cardio respiratory training and strength training and were found to have increased their walking speed by 5.6 yards a minute.
Overall, participants who walked for three or more days a week, walked 20 minutes more at a time than the individuals who did not undergo any cardio-respiratory training, post the stroke.
Walking: the simplest and most relevant exercise for stroke patients
David Saunders who is the lead author of the study and also a lecturer in exercise physiology at the Edinburgh University says, “Cardio respiratory walking training during usual stroke care can increase walking speed and walking distance, and reduce dependence on other people during walking.”
“No other evidence is sufficient to influence practice at the present time, other than the observation that most benefits in fitness, mobility, and physical function appear to be associated with 'task-related' training,” he further adds.
Even past studies claim that aerobic exercises like walking and cycling are good for people who have suffered from a stroke as they keep one fit and generate positive feelings that help in getting better.
Researchers still not very clear about the impact of exercise
It may be noted that though walking was found beneficial for stroke patients, there seemed to be no proof of any benefit from the strength training that some of the study participants received.
Joel Stein, Managing Director of Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City says, “The large, overarching point to be made is that exercise is good for you. There is a lot of evidence that exercise helps prevent heart disease, stroke and obesity, and that it reduces the risk of developing diabetes.”
“We have robust evidence that exercise is beneficial, but it is a little harder to cite proof that physical fitness training is good for stroke survivors in particular,” he added.
The present study is based on the analysis of people who were interested in participating and may not hold true for all stroke patients, but the researchers feel that stroke patients who undergo any cardio respiratory exercise will definitely be healthier and more motivated than non exercisers.
The study and its findings have been published in this month's edition of 'The Cochrane Library'.
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