Getting Active After Stroke Guide
Getting Active After Stroke Guide
Getting active
after a stroke
stroke.org.uk 1
Why move more?
After a stroke, starting to be more active can be a
massive boost to your recovery and your confidence.
stroke.org.uk 3
Find what works for you
It’s different for everyone. The impact of your stroke is
unique to you, and you will have your own reasons for
wanting to get active. You’ll set your own goals and find
your own motivation.
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How to get started
– and keep going!
Start slowly and build up
Start slowly. Take it one step at a time, and don’t do
too much too soon. Plan in some time to rest between
activities, or at certain times of day. If you have fatigue,
rest is especially important. Set yourself an achievable
goal. If you reach your goals, you’re more likely to feel
successful and keep going. See ‘Setting your movement
goals’ later in this guide.
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8 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100
Getting active after a stroke
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If you stop, have another go!
Don’t be put off if you can’t keep going with an activity.
You might run out of steam or need a change. You might
just need to try a few different things before you find
what suits you. See if you can find a way round any
practical problems such as transport problems.
Setting your
movement goals
Set yourself realistic goals.
Make it specific and achievable. Rather than
‘I want to get back to normal’ you could choose
‘I want to weed the garden’. Your goal should
suit what you can do, and what you enjoy.
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12 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100
Getting active after a stroke
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Moving more
at home
These are some ideas for movements to try at home.
k.
houlder
lbows March your feet. You can do this while Seated gardening activities like planting a seed tray,
r body watching TV or reading. making a hanging basket or weeding a raised bed.
• Seated gardening
Face the wall, and take a small step back.
Sit-to-stand
activities like planting
Standing marching on
Put your hands flat against the wall at shoulder
height, fingers pointing up. Bend your elbows aMarch
seed yourtray,
the spot making
feet. You can do this while Seate
makin
and lean towards the wall, keeping your body
awatching TV or reading.
in front of you along the bed.
Lying down, bend and straighten your legs
hanging basket or
watching TV or reading.
March your feet. You can do this while
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Lying down with your knees bent, keep your Lying down, bend and straighten your legs Sittin
feet and knees together and roll your knees in front of you along the bed. to op
Standing marching on Standing
slowly from side to side
the spot
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Being active in
daily life
You don’t have to go to a gym: you can find some great
ways to be active in everyday life. These activities aim to
make your heart beat faster and make you feel warmer.
If you do something more energetic or for longer you
might feel a little out of breath but still be able to speak.
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Getting started
with exercise
If you feel ready, you could look for some more
structured exercise such as a workout, run or a group
activity. Look for something that suits you. It could be
something you do by yourself, or in a group.
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Specialist rehabilitation groups
In some parts of the UK you can join a group for stroke
survivors. The Stroke Association runs activity and
fitness groups, and some health authorities provide
groups for people with heart attacks, stroke or
neurological problems. Ask your GP or stroke team if
there is a local group you can join.
If you want to join a group but you are not sure if you
can complete a whole session, speak to the teacher in
advance. They should be able to suggest ways to adjust
the class to suit you, such as having some extra breaks
to avoid fatigue. They might be able to adapt parts of the
activity or give you alternatives.
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24 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100
Getting active after a stroke
Fatigue
Being active can help with fatigue. You might
need to plan in some extra rest time, but
moving more can improve your energy levels,
and help you sleep better. It can improve your
fitness and muscle strength, which may also
make you feel less tired. For more information
visit stroke.org.uk/fatigue.
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26 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100
Getting active after a stroke
Pain
Staying active and mobile can help with long-
term pain by reducing muscle stiffness and
improving wellbeing. Choose an activity that is
safe for you – you may need to check with your
physiotherapist or GP to make sure. Try smaller
movements in a pain-free range, and rest if you
need to. It’s common to get sore muscles when
you start off with a new exercise, but if it’s a
sharp pain or you are worried, stop and check
with your fitness instructor, a GP or therapist.
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28 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100
Getting active after a stroke
How can I be
active if I have...
Practical tips for dealing with some of the effects of a
stroke if you want to be more active.
Emotional effects
Being active is known to be great for emotional
wellbeing. But if you’re experiencing anxiety
or low mood, it can be hard to get started with
something new. So have a look at our tips
for getting motivated in this guide. If you’re
struggling with low mood or anxiety, ask your
GP for help. For more information visit
stroke.org.uk/emotional-changes.
Vision problems
If your eyes are very sensitive to light, wear
sunglasses or a baseball cap to shade your eyes.
If you have low vision or perceptual problems,
good indoor lighting and a tidy, uncluttered
space can help. If you are in a group activity, the
instructor can support you by giving extra verbal
descriptions and pointing out obstacles. They
can provide some equipment like balls or bats
in bright colours. You could do outdoor activities
like walking or running alongside a friend.
For more information visit
stroke.org.uk/vision-problems.
stroke.org.uk 29
Continence problems
If you are worried about leaking urine (wee) or
faeces (poo) while you’re moving around, there
are some practical things you can do.
Balance problems
You can still be active even if your balance
is a problem. A therapist or trained exercise
coach should be able to give you advice on safe
movements and how to improve your balance.
You can do activities on a chair or a mat, or
use machines if you go to a gym. If you are
standing, hold onto a chair back or lean against
a wall. Ask your GP to refer you for advice if you
need some help with balance problems.
Fatigue
You might feel too tired to be active, but regular
exercise can actually help give you more energy
and better sleep. Try a few different activities,
and find out what you enjoy and what works
for you. Start slowly, and build up over time, to
avoid making the fatigue worse. Overall energy
levels should improve, but you might need to
build in time for some extra rests during and
after activities.
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32 Call the Stroke Helpline on 0303 3033 100
Getting active after a stroke
If you are not sure what you can do, look for some advice
from a professional like a therapist or trained exercise
coach. An occupational therapist can help you find new
ways of doing things.
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My blood pressure will go up
If you have high blood pressure, physical activity can
help to reduce it over time. When you do something
that makes your heart beat faster, such as running, your
blood pressure goes up, but goes back down when you
rest. By exercising regularly, you actually make the heart
stronger and more efficient. Over time your resting
blood pressure can go down to a healthier level.
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Where to get help
and information
From the Stroke Association
Helpline
Our Helpline offers information and support for anyone
affected by TIA and stroke. This includes friends and
carers.
My Stroke Guide
The Stroke Association’s online tool My Stroke Guide
gives you free access to trusted advice, information
and support 24/7. My Stroke Guide connects you to our
online community, to find out how others manage their
recovery.
Walking
Ramblers Association (England, Scotland, Wales).
Online resources about walking outdoors with a
health condition or disability ramblers.org.uk/advice/
walking-with-a-disability-or-health-issue
Tel: 020 3961 3300
We are undefeatable
Website: weareundefeatable.co.uk
Inspiring stories and practical resources to help you
be more active when you have a health condition or
disability.
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Inclusive sports and activities
Disability Sports NI
Website: dsni.co.uk
Tel: 028 9046 9925 (Belfast office)
Sportability (England)
Website: sportability.org.uk
Tel: 07305 047 533
Email: info@sportability.org.uk
Accessible formats
Visit our website if you need this information in
audio, large print or braille.
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When stroke strikes, part of your brain shuts down.
And so does a part of you. Life changes instantly and
recovery is tough. But the brain can adapt. Our specialist
support, research and campaigning are only possible
with the courage and determination of the stroke
community. With more donations and support from you,
we can rebuild even more lives.
Contact us
We’re here for you. Contact us for expert information
and support by phone, email and online.
Stroke Helpline: 0303 3033 100
From a textphone: 18001 0303 3033 100
Email: helpline@stroke.org.uk
Website: stroke.org.uk