Effects of physical fitness training on the mental and physical health of stroke survivors

Abstract

After a stroke, physical activity can be key in enhancing the rehabilitation of patients and preventing a secondary stroke. In this commentary, we critically appraise a systematic review which investigated how different types of physical fitness training impact on the mental and physical conditions of stroke survivors. Cardiorespiratory, resistance and mixed training (especially when including walking) can improve key outcomes such as the balance and mobility of stroke survivors, but the most suitable type of training depends on the individual needs and aims of the rehabilitation process. More research is needed to understand how the effects of the different types of training vary by considering the time between stroke and intervention onset, stroke severity, and the dose of intervention.