Range of Motion offers Exercise Physiologist designed one-on-one exercise sessions for individuals with this condition. Book a complimentary consultation or contact us to find out more.
The information is intended to inform and educate and is not a replacement for medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.
Based on guidelines provided by the American College of Sports Medicine.
Condition Overview:
A stroke occurs due to a loss of blood flow in the brain. This results in cell death and a partial loss of nervous system function. Brain injury can result from head trauma, causing similar damage to the brain.
Effects of a stroke include:
- Impaired motor and sensory function.
- Visual field defects.
- Impaired speech.
- Mental confusion.
- Impaired movement sequencing.
Short Term Response to Exercise:
Nervous system damage can cause widespread and varied symptoms, which, in an exercise setting can include:
- Muscle weakness and reduced range of motion – causing movement issues.
- Balance deficiencies.
- Mental confusion.
- General mental impairment.
Due to the prevalence of the condition in an older population, exercise participants can also experience additional conditions which may impact exercise ability.
Long Term Response to Exercise:
Due to the reduction in functionality following a stroke or brain injury, patients are often highly deconditioned. Due to this, s drastic improvement in cardiorespiratory endurance can be observed as a response ot exercise. This causes:
- Increases in self-selected walking speed.
- Increased functionality and reduced reliance on aids.
Stroke and brain injury patients who exercise have also been shown to have reduced cognitive symptoms.
Condition Management:
Beyond initial drug therapy immediately following a cerebrovascular accident, little further pharmacological intervention is required. Occasionally, when the stroke or brain injury causes additional conditions (such as epilepsy etc), further treatment may be administered.
Palmer-McLean, K. and Harbst, K.B., (2003). Stroke and Brain Injury. In: Durstine, J. L., Moore, G. E. (2003), ACSM’s Exercise Management for Persons with Chronic Diseases and Disabilities 2nd Ed. (pp 76-80) American College of Sports Medicine, Human Kinetics
