The Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party of the Royal College of Physicians, London have outlined 6 key recommendations for stroke survivors engaging in physical activity. These are:
A. People with stroke or TIA should participate in physical activity for fitness unless there are contraindications. Exercise prescription should be individualised and reflect treatment goals and activity recommendations.
B. People with stroke or TIA should aim to be active every day and minimise the amount of time spent sitting for long periods.
C. People with stroke or TIA should aim to achieve 150 minutes or more of moderate intensity physical activity per week in bouts of 10 minutes or more (e.g. 30 minutes on at least 5 days per week). They should also engage in muscle strengthening activities at least twice per week.
D. People with stroke or TIA who are at risk of falls should engage in additional physical activity which incorporates balance and co-ordination at least twice per week.
E. Physical activity programmes for people with stroke or TIA may be delivered by therapists, fitness instructors or other appropriately trained people, supported by interagency working where possible; regular monitoring and progression should occur to promote physical fitness.
F. Physical activity programmes for people with stroke or TIA should be tailored to the individual after appropriate assessment, starting with low-intensity physical activity and gradually increasing to moderate levels.
Links
https://www.strokeaudit.org/SupportFiles/Documents/Guidelines/2016-National-Clinical-Guideline-for-Stroke-5t-(1).aspx
References
Intercollegiate Stroke Working Party. National Clinical Guideline for Stroke. Royal College of Physicians, London. 5th Edition (2016)