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Exercise to prevent a stroke

What is a stroke?

A stroke is when the blood supply to the brain is disrupted or blocked, causing damage to the brain through the subsequent absence of oxygen.

There are two types of stroke which result in the blood flow to the brain being stopped;

  • An ischaemic (is-key-mick) stroke is the most common type and occurs when an artery to the brain becomes blocked. Blockages can be caused by a blood clot (embolic stroke) or the gradual build-up of plaque narrowing the artery (thrombotic stroke).
  • A Haemorrhagic (hemm-orr-ragic) stroke is when the vessel ruptures, causing a bleed in the brain. Haemorrhagic strokes can occur from uncontrolled high blood pressure resulting in rupturing small blood vessels in the brain. This is known as an intracerebral haemorrhage. Haemorrhagic strokes can also be caused by subarachnoid strokes, which can occur from abnormalities in the blood vessel, aneurysms, anticoagulant medications (blood thinners), and illegal drugs such as cocaine.
What are the risk factors and who is at risk? 

There are a number of risk factors that can act as early warnings for the potential for a stroke to occur. Risk factors include;

  • High blood pressure (hypertension)
  • High blood cholesterol
  • Diabetes
  • Smoking
  • Inactive lifestyle
  • Cardiovascular disease
  • Obesity
  • Alcohol consumption

A little-known fact is that women are more at risk from strokes than men. Importantly, the vast majority of risk factors for strokes are modifiable. This means lifestyle changes can help to prevent strokes.

Signs and symptoms of a stroke and how to help

A vital acronym to remember when considering the signs of a stroke is FAST

  • Face- Has their face drooped, or is their face looking ok?
  • Arms- Can they lift their arms above their head, or can they lift their arms at all?
  • Speech- Can they speak properly, or are they having trouble speaking?
  • Time- Time is essential in this situation. Call 000 immediately!

How does a stroke impact daily life? 

The impact of a stroke on an individual depends on where in the brain the damage has occurred, and the amount of damage caused to the brain tissue. Common stroke side effects include loss of motor and/or sensory functions. This can lead to a reduction in physical abilities that may be temporary or permanent depending on the severity of the event. This may result in a loss of independence. Additionally, strokes can cause cognitive impairment, changes in the ability to regulate emotions, and mental health problems.

How can exercise help prevent a stroke? 

The Stroke Foundation states that more than 80% of strokes that occur are preventable. This is because there are many modifiable risk factors for stroke.

One of the most crucial is the absence of physical activity. There are multiple benefits to regular exercise that can decrease the risk of stroke. Benefits of exercise for stroke prevention include:

  • Reductions in blood pressure,
  • Reductions in LDL cholesterol
  • Reductions of body fat percentage
  • Reduced inflammation
  • Reducing circulating blood glucose.

Exercise plays a vital role in improving the quality of blood vessels and how blood flows through blood vessels.

Aerobic, resistance, and balance training are recommended types of exercise that can increase fitness and reduce the likelihood of strokes. Additionally, regular exercise can simultaneously reduce the risk of other chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer.

How can exercise help post-stroke?

Exercise is also highly regarded for the benefits it brings throughout all stages of post-stroke rehab. For example, strength training and activities such as yoga and tai chi can help to improve muscle weakness and balance for stroke survivors. The benefits of increased strength and balance combined can assist in gaining back independence by improving the ability to perform daily activities.

Although more investigation is required, research currently suggests that aerobic exercise can potentially enhance the brain’s ability to make new neural connections. Forming new neural connections in the brain assists in adapting to learning new skills and also assists in the recovery of traumatic brain injury post-stroke.

Every stroke is different and will affect each person differently. Working with an accredited exercise physiologist who specialises in neurological conditions allows for personalised treatment to be provided to the individual with consideration for their goals and needs.

 

[lightweight-accordion title=”REFERENCES”]

  • Ada, L., Dorsch, S., & Canning, C. G. (2006). Strengthening interventions increase strength and improve activity after stroke: a systematic review. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 52(4), 241-248.
  • Gallanagh, S., Quinn, T. J., Alexander, J., & Walters, M. R. (2011). Physical activity in the prevention and treatment of stroke. International Scholarly Research Notices, 2011.
  • Limaye, N. S., Carvalho, L. B., & Kramer, S. (2021). The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Serum Biomarkers of Neuroplasticity and Brain Repair in Stroke: A Systematic Review. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation.
  • Mang, C. S., Campbell, K. L., Ross, C. J., & Boyd, L. A. (2013). Promoting neuroplasticity for motor rehabilitation after stroke: considering the effects of aerobic exercise and genetic variation on brain-derived neurotrophic factor. Physical therapy, 93(12), 1707-1716.
  • Riebe, D., Ehrman, J. K., Liguori, G., & Magal, M. (2018). ACSM’s guidelines for exercise testing and prescription (Tenth edition. ed.). Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.
  • Son, S. M., Park, M. K., & Lee, N. K. (2014). Influence of resistance exercise training to strengthen muscles across multiple joints of the lower limbs on dynamic balance functions of stroke patients. Journal of physical therapy science, 26(8), 1267-1269.
  • Stroke Foundation. (2022a). Top 10 facts about stroke. Retrieved from https://strokefoundation.org.au/en/About-Stroke/Learn/facts-and-figures
  • Stroke Foundation. (2022b). What is a stroke. Retrieved from https://strokefoundation.org.au/About-Stroke/Learn/Types-of-stroke
  • Taylor-Piliae, R. E., Hoke, T. M., Hepworth, J. T., Latt, L. D., Najafi, B., & Coull, B. M. (2014). Effect of Tai Chi on physical function, fall rates and quality of life among older stroke survivors. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 95(5), 816-824.

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Walter White

Manager of good vibes
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Being active has taken on a whole new meaning and I am 100% here for it. I like to fink I’m pretty active, and I keep up de vibes during team meetings – just making sure everyone’s hands are always moving (across my butt) because I know dat any exercise is good exercise. I keep close to everyone, real close, just to keep dem on their toes when dey walk by too.
Fings are always better when I am der so if you need some good vibes, I will be der for you.
Brb just going to have a snooze.
Love and licks,
Wally

Ailish Rice

Exercise Physiologist
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I have always imagined I would go into a career that combined my passion for exercise with the opportunity to help people, and I found my perfect match in Exercise Physiology!
My role has progressed over the last few years, from coaching gymnastics, to becoming a strength and conditioning coach, and now an Accredited Exercise Physiologist.
As Be Physiology, I can apply my knowledge and skills to support clients living with neurological conditions, chronic illnesses, pain or injuries.

As both a participant and an EP, I have a keen interest in CrossFit, clinical Pilates, women’s health, and all things exercise-related! Ultimately, I am eager to support a diverse range of clients through their rehabilitation and towards their individualised goals, using movement as medicine.
Eddie Carroll

Eddie Carroll

Exercise Physiologist

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Growing up, sport and physical activity were simply a part of life and not much has changed since. These days you’ll find me in the gym, playing social volleyball, soccer, or out watching the footy. That lifelong love of movement is a big part of what drew me to Exercise Physiology, and it’s something I bring into every session.

I work primarily with neurological and neurodevelopmental populations, including NDIS participants, and I find this work genuinely rewarding. Seeing someone move better, feel more capable, or achieve a goal they weren’t sure was possible is what drives me as an exercise physiologist.

I’m not focused on a particular diagnosis; I’m focused on the person in front of me. We all have things we want to achieve, and sometimes that means overcoming daily frustrations that others might overlook. I believe in listening, then building a specific program for you.

Exercise is one of the most underutilised tools in healthcare, if you’re ready to use it, I’d like to help!

Benji Wilksch | Mobile Exercise Physiologist

Benji Wilksch

Exercise Physiologist

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Hi, I’m Benji! 

I love being able to use my passion for health, fitness, and exercise to support people in moving and feeling their best. As an Exercise Physiologist, I’m lucky to do this every day. Sport and exercise have always played a big role in my life, with interests spanning cricket, athletics, and cross‑country running. These days, you’ll often find me strength training in the gym, running distances from 5km through to marathons, or taking on the occasional HYROX event.

Outside of work, I enjoy catching up with friends over a great coffee or unwinding by playing guitar.

Before joining Be Physiology, I worked as a strength and conditioning coach and group fitness coach. Since graduating university, I’ve stepped into my role as an Exercise Physiologist and strongly believe that movement is medicine — it has the power to make a real difference for a lot of people. I have a particular interest in neurological and musculoskeletal rehabilitation, but ultimately, I’m passionate about helping anyone improve their confidence, function, and quality of life. I’m excited for what the future holds at Be Physiology.

Brittney White

Co-founder / Operations manager
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I’m NOT an exercise physiologist, but I do take my hat off to my team and get to admire the work they do each and every day. Be Physiology means that we’re able to apply our passion, and our experience, to make exercise physiology more accessible to the people who need it the most.
You might hear the team describe me as ‘the person who does everything else’, and that can be translated to ‘marketing and operations’. My background is marketing and business, which I’ve lived and breathed since 2011. I’ve worked in both the agency and corporate spaces, across many industries, with many amazing people and now with Be Physiology, I get to explore the health industry further and continue to meet the most incredible people who are the ones to define motivation.
If you’ve met Harry and our amazing exercise physiologists, you’d know that they don’t really need marketing – they’re genuine, have ridiculous amounts of charisma, knowledgeable, and extremely passionate about helping people to be a better version of themselves. But, sometimes getting an introduction is the hardest part and that’s where I come in.
If you want to chat, a coffee, a laugh, I’m always here to make one or all of them happen.
So call me and let’s keep sharing the love!

Harry White

Co-founder / supervisor
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The longer you work as an Exercise Physiologist (EP), the more you understand just how amazing exercise is for everyone, without exception. You also get to meet and work with people who have completely changed their lives through their own consistency and determination, this is when you realise that this is more than a job. It saves lives.
My expertise is spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders and helping clients to achieve an improved quality of life through rehabilitation and functional training. Rehabilitation for spinal cord injuries and neurological disorders can be slow but incredibly rewarding for clients when results are achieved, no matter how small. Assisting people through learning useful skills and functional training is the most important role that an EP can play to help people lead a more fulfilled life.
My perspective is different now to when I started, now when I see all the EPs graduating every year and getting excited knowing that they too will get the opportunity to be a part of something special.
Our team is full of people that want to be amazing EPs and who are striving to be the best, there is no better culture than that!
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