Encouraging physical activity after stroke may not help

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Physical activity is often recommended after stroke, although its effect is uncertain. Now, a trial in Denmark, China, Poland and Estonia has shown no benefit from a programme encouraging physical activity.

A total of 314 patients who were ambulant after ischaemic stroke were ran­domized to intervention or control groups. The intervention consisted of a training programme encouraging physical activity with sessions before hospital discharge and at five follow-up visits over the next 2 years. Control patients had the same number of visits, but without the training programme. Physical activity as assessed with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) did not differ significantly between the two groups. There were no significant differences in rates of mortality, recurrent stroke, myocardial infarction, or falls and fractures.

The programme did not increase physical activity.

Boysen G, et al. ExStroke Pilot Trial of the effect of repeated instructions to improve physical activity after ischaemic stroke: a multinational randomised controlled clinical trial. BMJ 2009;339:273–276; Mead G. Exercise after stroke. Ibid:247–248 (editorial).