Definition and Prevention of Stroke:

Stroke is a pressing health care problem. Once a person has a stroke, there is a 20% chance of having a second stroke within two years. Persons with stroke or other disabling conditions tend to have lower levels of physical activity than individuals with other chronic conditions. They also function at approximately 50% of the peak VO that is performed by non-stroke age-gender matched individuals.

There are several factors that contribute to decreased aerobic functioning; including bed-rest induced reconditioning, neurological involvement, and decreased activity due to increased energy requirements while walking. Unfortunately, this places stroke patients at increased risk of developing, or worsening risk factors that could lead to a second stroke. The health benefits of cardiovascular exercise, to the general population, have been well documented.

Regular physical activity has been shown to control health markers such as:

• Hypertension and obesity
• Reduce low density lipoproteins
• Reduce the risk of atherosclerosis and diabetes

Management of such risk factors is thought to be integral in the prevention of secondary stroke. There are several studies which document the effects of exercise on post-stroke patients. This is of special relevance, as diabetes is a significant risk factor for stroke. Stroke patients are more at risk of developing diabetes because there is a higher conversion of slow to fast twitch (higher insulin resistant) muscle fiber-type in stroke patients versus non-stroke individuals. In addition, the positive effect of SCE on aerobic capacity, gait speed, and functional ambulation for stroke patients has also been confirmed.

Prevention and Physical Therapy Treatment


It is less known whether structured sessions of cardiovascular exercise have a direct effect on reducing a stroke patient’s chances of having a secondary stroke. To date, no systematic review has been conducted to:

• Assess the effectiveness of SCE on reducing the chances of secondary stroke.
• Assess the effectiveness of SCE on reducing the risk factors, associated with secondary stroke.

Strokes result in an enormous financial strain to the health care system. Compounded impairments and costs from a secondary stroke could be devastating to a stroke survivor who is functional and living in the community. Therefore, the identification of treatment protocols for preventing recurrent strokes is critical.

The findings of this review may aid physical therapists in evaluating the relationship between SCE and recurrent stroke. In addition, it may provide evidence to support recommendations that SCE programs should become a standard part of a stroke patient’s long-term rehabilitation plan.

Accessible Physical Therapy Services provide fast recovery from accident, sports, work related injuries, lower back, neck, leg pain (sciatica), strains, sprains, fractures, arthritis, burns, amputations, stroke, multiple sclerosis, and conditions such as cerebral palsy, spina bifida (split spine) and musculoskeletal problems through physical therapists that are highly trained and experienced in physical therapy, aquatic therapy, hand therapy and industrial rehabilitation. Call now for quick Appointment: (301) 593-7300

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