Keep Moving to Recover from Stroke: Dr. Nancy Salbach on Doctor's Notes
By
Jessica Boafo
Is exercise the key to improving coordination and preventing a repeat stroke? Dr. Nancy Salbach says yes in the most recent issue of Doctor's Notes, a weekly column by members of the U of T Faculty of Medicine in partnership with the Toronto Star.
In her article entitled, "Keep moving to recover from stroke" Dr. Salbach states that it is crucial for stroke survivors to remain active. After experiencing a stroke, 50 to 80 per cent of people struggle with balance and mobility. And survivors often fear physical activity because they worry the exertion could bring on another stroke. But research shows being active can in fact reduce the risk of stroke by 20 per cent.
"As a physical therapist and researcher dedicated to improving the health of people after strokes, I see this problem all the time. Caregivers encourage their loved one to become more active, but stroke survivors remain understandably hesitant after experiencing the trauma of a stroke." - Dr. Salbach
She concludes the article by providing tips on how post-stroke patients can excerise at home and how to find exercise programs at local community centres tailored for people with stroke.
To read the full article and more on Dr. Salbach's research, please visit the Toronto Star website.
