Why high-intensity exercise can help you recover faster from stroke

While the importance of exercise in stroke rehabilitation cannot be overstated experts on Saturday affirmed that short bursts of highintensity interval training HIIT could be more effective than continuous moderate physical exerciseWhen a stroke occurs blood flow to the brain is disrupted leading to damage that can impact physical and cognitive functions Exercise plays a crucial role in the rehabilitation process by promoting neuroplasticity where the brain reorganises itself to recover lost functionsHIIT involves repeated oneminute bursts of intense exercise followed by short recovery periods Use of a stationary bike treadmill bodyweight kettlebell dumbbells or jumping rope are some examples of HIIT workoutsldquoHIIT represents a paradigm shift in rehabilitation particularly for stroke recoveryrdquo Dr Vikram Huded HOD and director and Clinical Lead Interventional Neurology Narayana Health CityldquoUnlike traditional continuous moderate exercise HIIT enhances cardiovascular health more efficiently by pushing the body to adapt to short intense bursts of activityrdquo added Dr Raghvendra Ramdasi consultant neurosurgeon Jaslok Hospital MumbaiSeveral studies have shown that exercising after a stroke offers several health benefits including reduced risk of stroke recurrence and boosted overall recoveryA recent research published in the journal Stroke showed that oneminute bursts of highintensity interval training over 19 minutes were more effective than traditional moderate exercise for improving the bodyrsquos aerobic fitness after a strokeEvidence suggests that HIIT can accelerate cardiovascular recovery and improve overall physical endurance more effectively than conventional methodsRamdasi said the method not only boosts heart and lung capacity but also improves circulation which is vital for brain recoveryHowever HIIT may not be suitable for everyone said the expertsldquoPatients with severe cardiovascular conditions or those who are not yet physically stable poststroke should avoid this form of exercise until they have regained a certain level of baseline fitnessrdquo Huded saidRamdasi said patients who have regained some mobility and are medically stable benefit most from HIITThe experts also urged stroke patients to perform ldquoany exercise regimen particularly HIIT according to an individuals abilities and under supervision of an expert to avoid potential risksrdquoThey also advised to begin with lower intensity and gradually increase as tolerance improvesThis story has been sourced from a third party syndicated feed agencies Midday accepts no responsibility or liability for its dependability trustworthiness reliability and data of the text Midday managementmiddaycom reserves the sole right to alter delete or remove without notice the content in its absolute discretion for any reason whatsoever