Physical fitness – a set of attributes which people have or achieve that confers the ability to perform physical activity
- Physical fitness is important for the performance of everyday activities. The physical fitness of stroke patients is impaired after their stroke and this may reduce their ability to perform everyday activities and exacerbate any stroke-related disability.
- In theory physical fitness training after stroke may:
- Improve function
- Reduce disability
- Improve quality of life
- Improve mood
- Reduce fatigue
- Reduce the risk of falls
- Improve vascular risk factors and so reduce risk of recurrent stroke and death
- Aim for at least 150 minutes (2 ½ hours) of moderate physical activity a week. For example, 30 minutes on 5 or more days, or a few sessions each day of 10 minutes at a time. Or
You could do 75 minutes of vigorous activity a week instead. Moderate activity is activity that increases your breathing and heart rate. It makes you feel warm but you are still able to talk. For example, swimming, walking quickly, cycling. Vigorous activity is activity that makes your breathing fast and talking difficult. For example, running, playing sport, hiking uphill. For more information see CHSS: Physical Activity.
Page last reviewed: 14 Oct 2021
