Enhancing Physical Activity and Brain Reorganization after Stroke

It is becoming increasingly clear that, if reorganization of brain function is to be optimal after stroke, there needs to be a reorganisation of the methods used in physical rehabilitation and the time spent in specific task practice, strength and endurance training, and aerobic exercise. Frequency...

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Main Authors: Janet H. Carr, Roberta B. Shepherd
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Wiley 2011-01-01
Series:Neurology Research International
Online Access:http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/515938
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author Janet H. Carr
Roberta B. Shepherd
author_facet Janet H. Carr
Roberta B. Shepherd
author_sort Janet H. Carr
collection DOAJ
description It is becoming increasingly clear that, if reorganization of brain function is to be optimal after stroke, there needs to be a reorganisation of the methods used in physical rehabilitation and the time spent in specific task practice, strength and endurance training, and aerobic exercise. Frequency and intensity of rehabilitation need to be increased so that patients can gain the energy levels and vigour necessary for participation in physical activity both during rehabilitation and after discharge. It is evident that many patients are discharged from inpatient rehabilitation severely deconditioned, meaning that their energy levels are too low for active participation in daily life. Physicians, therapists, and nursing staff responsible for rehabilitation practice should address this issue not only during inpatient rehabilitation but also after discharge by promoting and supporting community-based exercise opportunities. During inpatient rehabilitation, group sessions should be frequent and need to include specific aerobic training. Physiotherapy must take advantage of the training aids available, including exercise equipment such as treadmills, and of new developments in computerised feedback systems, robotics, and electromechanical trainers. For illustrative purposes, this paper focuses on the role of physiotherapists, but the necessary changes in practice and in attitude will require cooperation from many others.
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spelling doaj-art-b14b809a232749d4a32c513caaee2a082025-02-03T06:48:16ZengWileyNeurology Research International2090-18522090-18602011-01-01201110.1155/2011/515938515938Enhancing Physical Activity and Brain Reorganization after StrokeJanet H. Carr0Roberta B. Shepherd1Faculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, P.O. Box 170, Lidcombe, Sydney, NSW 1825, AustraliaFaculty of Health Sciences, The University of Sydney, P.O. Box 170, Lidcombe, Sydney, NSW 1825, AustraliaIt is becoming increasingly clear that, if reorganization of brain function is to be optimal after stroke, there needs to be a reorganisation of the methods used in physical rehabilitation and the time spent in specific task practice, strength and endurance training, and aerobic exercise. Frequency and intensity of rehabilitation need to be increased so that patients can gain the energy levels and vigour necessary for participation in physical activity both during rehabilitation and after discharge. It is evident that many patients are discharged from inpatient rehabilitation severely deconditioned, meaning that their energy levels are too low for active participation in daily life. Physicians, therapists, and nursing staff responsible for rehabilitation practice should address this issue not only during inpatient rehabilitation but also after discharge by promoting and supporting community-based exercise opportunities. During inpatient rehabilitation, group sessions should be frequent and need to include specific aerobic training. Physiotherapy must take advantage of the training aids available, including exercise equipment such as treadmills, and of new developments in computerised feedback systems, robotics, and electromechanical trainers. For illustrative purposes, this paper focuses on the role of physiotherapists, but the necessary changes in practice and in attitude will require cooperation from many others.http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/515938
spellingShingle Janet H. Carr
Roberta B. Shepherd
Enhancing Physical Activity and Brain Reorganization after Stroke
Neurology Research International
title Enhancing Physical Activity and Brain Reorganization after Stroke
title_full Enhancing Physical Activity and Brain Reorganization after Stroke
title_fullStr Enhancing Physical Activity and Brain Reorganization after Stroke
title_full_unstemmed Enhancing Physical Activity and Brain Reorganization after Stroke
title_short Enhancing Physical Activity and Brain Reorganization after Stroke
title_sort enhancing physical activity and brain reorganization after stroke
url http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2011/515938
work_keys_str_mv AT janethcarr enhancingphysicalactivityandbrainreorganizationafterstroke
AT robertabshepherd enhancingphysicalactivityandbrainreorganizationafterstroke