Exercise after a stroke can improve brain function

Stroke is a disease that occurs due to disruption of blood flow to the brain - either due to clogged or ruptured blood vessels - which then causes the brain to not function properly. According to data from the World Health Organization, each year there are 15 million people affected by stroke, of which 6 million die and the rest experience paralysis and cognitive impairment.

Until now, there is no drug that can overcome the decline in cognitive abilities in stroke patients. But don't worry, experts say that exercise after a stroke can help restore this.

Exercise after stroke helps improve cognitive function in patients

A study states that as many as 85% of stroke patients will experience impaired cognitive abilities, including difficulty focusing, remembering, and thinking. From these problems the experts try to find a solution. One solution that has been found is to get exercise used in patients who have had a stroke.

A study that has been presented at the American Stroke Association's International Stroke Conference 2017 consists of 13 trials. Of these 13 studies, 735 people had successfully passed a stroke. However, on average they all experience cognitive impairments, such as difficulty remembering and thinking. Then the researchers asked the participants to do regular exercise for 12 weeks or about 3 months. then at the end of the study, the experts tried to re-test the cognitive function of each participant.

As a result, exercise after stroke has been shown to be effective in improving the cognitive abilities of patients. They can return to focus, think, and remember normally, according to their previous abilities.

Why can exercise restore cognitive function in patients?

This is not really a new finding and it is not surprising that exercise can improve cognitive function. Exercise after a stroke can improve brain function back to normal because exercise affects hormones and changes several things in the patient's body.

So you see, the exercise that the patient does will stimulate the nerve cells that were previously passive to become active and function properly again. Thus, messages and signals from the response are conveyed. Finally, over time his cognitive abilities returned.

In addition, the exercise after stroke has various other benefits for patients, such as:

• Control cholesterol levels. Keeping the amount of cholesterol low is very important to prevent stroke recurrence in the future.
• Make blood pressure always within normal limits.
• Helps control weight. Many people who have recovered from a stroke don't pay attention to their weight. In fact, the fatter a person is, the higher the risk of a stroke.
• Prevent depression. Depression is a common condition in people who have recently had a stroke. But with exercise, the mood and mood can get better again.

What sports are good to do after having a stroke?

If you can move your limbs, start exercising when your doctor has declared it safe for you to exercise. Do an exercise that you enjoy and start slowly. Don't push yourself too hard.

If you are still having trouble moving your limbs, you need to undergo rehabilitation first. Consult this with your doctor so that you get the right therapy. Once you can move your limbs back and get your doctor's permission to exercise, start slowly. Do what you can.