Aerobic exercise may help stroke survivors regain movement

Those who have experienced a stroke often have trouble with movement afterward, and a new analysis finds that aerobic exercise may help alleviate some of these problems. Looking at 19 studies that had assessed the outcomes for stroke survivors who did aerobic exercise, researchers found that some kind of mixed aerobic exercise and just walking were the most effective in helping stroke survivors regain some mobility. Cycling and some kind of recumbent walking — in which the person is seated but is still able to step — were the least effective method. Researchers observed these effects regardless of how long it had been since the patients’ stroke, although those with mild movement impairments saw the most benefit.