Evidence Summary
Evidence relating to effects on mood due to exercise in people following stroke are equivocal and methodological issues arise from trying to combine the data that is available. However, the positive effects of physical activity in clinical depression as well as the holistic benefits to wellbeing and self-efficacy that may arise from the other benefits mentioned hear lead us to believe that an improvement in mood may result from increasing physical activity following stroke.
Quality of Evidence
Grade C-This recommendation comes from a synthesis of a small number of studies in the Cochrane review, a separate systematic review of 13 RCTs, and the opinion of both topic experts and patient stakeholders.
Strength of Recommendation
Grade 2- This recommendation comes from a synthesis of a small number of studies in the Cochrane review which were recognised to be equivocal in their outcome.
Conclusion
Physical activity after stroke may result in an improvement in mood as well as broader improvements in general wellbeing and self-efficacy.
References
• Saunders DH, Sanderson M, Hayes S, Johnson L, Kramer S, Carter DD, Jarvis H, Brazzelli M, Mead GE. Physical fitness training for stroke patients Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2020, Issue 3. Art. No.: CD003316. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD003316.pub7.
• Eng, J. J., & Reime, B. (2014). Exercise for depressive symptoms in stroke patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Clinical rehabilitation, 28(8), 731–739. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215514523631