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Exercise is essential to good health for everyone. Now a recent study suggests that an exercise routine can have positive mental health benefits for stroke survivors.
A stroke cuts off the flow of blood to the brain and frequently leaves survivors with physical and mental impairments.
An analysis of 13 clinical trials at the University of Pittsburgh appears to indicate that moderate aerobic exercise along with strength and balance training is effective at helping survivors regain such cognitive skills as attention and processing speed.
Exercise programs of four to 12 weeks can be beneficial, even long after a stroke occurs.
The most effective programs emphasized strength, balance, stretching, and aerobic fitness that increases your heart rate just enough to make patients sweat.
Instead of an intense workout, walking on a treadmill or riding a recumbent bike appears to have a positive impact—important news for anyone dealing with the aftermath of a stroke.