Brisk Walking Helps Stroke Survivors Recover, Study Finds

Walking at a brisk pace can help stroke survivors improve their physical fitness, mobility and quality of life, according to new research.

In a new study of 128 adult stroke survivors, researchers found that those who walked briskly three times a week for three months lowered their resting heart rate, improved their walking endurance and reported a better quality of life based on their physical health.

Although previous studies already have shown that increasing physical activity after a stroke can help stroke survivors, that research focused on cycling and walking on a treadmill. This study, published in the American Heart Association journal Stroke, looked at walking outdoors, something that more people can do since it doesn’t require belonging to a gym or owning equipment.

“Walking is a great way to get active after a stroke,” said lead author Carron Gordon, in a news release from the AHA. “It’s familiar, inexpensive, and it’s something people could very easily get into.”

The AHA currently suggests that stroke survivors perform aerobic exercise three to seven days a week, for 20 to 60 minutes, depending on their fitness level. For healthy adults, the guideline is 150 minutes per week of moderate exercise or 75 minutes per week of vigorous exercise.

The authors note that the study’s results cannot be extended to patients who have severe effects from a stroke, such as being unable to walk independently.

Many people who have strokes are afraid of losing their balance and falling.

“Walking can help control blood pressure, reduce lipid or fat levels and help with weight control – all cardiovascular risk factors,” Gordon said in the news release. “So doctors should encourage it for patients who have had a stroke.”

Source: American Heart Association journal Stroke

+ Read about the Bon Secours InMotion Vestibular Rehabilitation Program. Physical therapists can help clients improve their symptoms of dizziness while increasing mobility and balance. This rehabilitation helps to retrain the body when stroke, brain trauma, inner ear surgery or chronic disease like multiple sclerosis or Parkinson’s affects the vestibular system.

+ Want to create a walking path on your smartphone? Try the American Heart Association Walking Paths App for iPhone and Android.