Brain Recovery

Cerebrovascular Accident; AKA Stroke

Too many of our loved ones experience one or more stroke(s) in their life. Strokes occur when there is a lack of blood flow to the brain. If blood supply is blocked for 4 minutes or longer, there is typically neuron death causing disability.

Strokes are the leading cause of death and disability in the U.S.

However, the death rate has dropped by 33% due to increased research and knowledge of the condition. Even still, 20-25% of patients who have had one stroke will experience another one shortly after.

We should all know the 911 signs & symptoms of stroke:

• Face droop on one side

• Weakness in one arm

• Difficulty with speech

Exercise is extremely important in improvement of blood circulation, management of health risk and especially quality of life.

Those who have experienced a stroke are likely to experience early fatigue during exercise, the heart rate and blood pressure may not match the intensity of exercise due to medications, and other comorbidites must be considered when developing an exercise program.

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FITT FOR AEROBIC

Frequency: 3-5 days per week

Intensity: Moderate intensity of 5-8 on the RPE scale 1-10

Time: Start with 20 minutes and increase to 60 minutes in 10 minute intervals

Type: Depending on the clients mobility: treadmill, seated ergometer, walking

FITT FOR RESISTANCE

Frequency: 2 non consecutive days per week

Intensity: 50-70% of their 1RM

Time: 1-3 sets of 8-15 reps

Type: Depending on how safely the patient can achieve exercise, seated or standing

FITT FOR FLEXIBILTY

Frequency: 2-3 days per week; preferably daily

Intensity: To slight discomfort

Time: 10-30 seconds 2-4 times

Type: Static, dynamic, PNF or assisted stretching

**ACSM's Guidelines for Exercise Testing & Prescription - 10th edition**