Research and News
Posts tagged cerebrovascular accident
Intensive two-week exercise program benefits stroke survivors
Mar 28th
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Patients suffering a stroke are often left with residual deficits in strength and gait. Depending on the severity of the stroke, patients are left with a wide range of disabilities. It was once thought that stroke survivors would never regain use of their paretic extremities; however, research continues to demonstrate the benefit of exercise after a stroke. Researchers in Norway were interested to see if a two-week, intensive exercise program for stroke survivors at least six months post stroke was effective and feasible. 12 hemiparetic patients (27-62 years old, average 46.5 years old) completed two weeks of group exercise for six hours a day at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. The patients exercised in groups of three or four patients supervised by one or two therapists (physical and/or occupational therapists). Their exercises consisted of transfers, weight-bearing on the paretic limb, and stepping exercises for 90 minutes. Balance activities including rocker board and foam balance exercise were performed for 60 minutes. Gait training and strength training exercises were performed for 75 minutes each. Strengthening activities included functional tasks and exercises for the ankle, More >
Stroke survivors benefit from exercise
Jan 13th
Survivors of cerebrovascular accidents (also known as ‘strokes’) are often left with residual weakness and disability. Exercise training after stroke is gaining acceptance as a standard of care as more research supports its safety and efficacy. This pattern resembles what we observed after cardiac rehabilitation became popular following heart attacks: exercise is an essential part of recovery.
British researchers wanted to determine if a fall prevention program using Thera-Band® resistance products (Dyer et al. 2004) would be beneficial for stroke survivors as well. 243 stroke survivors (at least 3 months post stroke) were randomized into either a standard care control group or an 8-week, twice weekly group program including exercise and education. The exercises consisted of functional activities and resistance training using weights and Thera-Band resistance bands. The participants in the exercise group significantly increased their quality of life to a greater extent than the control group; this difference was maintained one year after the program as well. Thera-Band resistance bands can be safely used as part of a well-rounded exercise program for stroke survivors.
REFERENCE: Harrington R, Taylor G, Hollinghurst S, Reed M, Kay H, Wood VA. A community-based exercise and education scheme for stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial and economic evaluation. Clin More >
Exercises for stroke survivors improve strength and function
Jan 7th
Cerebrovascular accidents (CVA) often lead to disability and sometimes death due to lack of oxygen to different parts of the brain. These are also known more commonly as a “stroke,” and can cause weakness of the trunk and extremities, usually on the side opposite the brain damage. For example, a stroke affecting the left side of the brain will result in weakness to the right arm and leg.
Historically, resistance exercise was rarely used in stroke patients for fear of increasing muscle spasticity. Instead, rehabilitation focused on assisting with functional tasks and maintaining muscle range of motion. With the advances in stroke recognition and treatment, and the subsequent increase in those surviving a stroke, stroke survivors (estimated at 6 million survivors) are often left with residual weakness and functional disability. Therefore, strength training is now recommended for ambulatory stroke survivors.
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