The Effects of a Group Exercise Rehabilitation Session on Stroke Survivors

UK stroke mortality rates are falling, but > 50% of stroke survivors have functional disabilities. These impairments reduce capacity to perform activities of daily living (ADL) such as walking, basic self-care and independence, even several years post-stroke. Disability predisposes them to a chronic sedentary lifestyle, leading to further deconditioning and muscle atrophy, compounding disability. Cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) is markedly reduced in a stroke population, with survivor VO2 max ? 50% below a healthy age-matched population. Hypertension (HTN) is a modifiable risk factor for stroke, yet 75% of recurrent stroke sufferers have HTN. In the UK there is no routine exercise provision for chronic care of stroke survivors.