Exercise Boosts Post-Stroke Cognitive Function

Physical activity is a promising treatment strategy for cognitive recovery following a stroke, according to a recent meta-analysis.

Little information currently exists on the interventions that could preserve or restore cognitive abilities post-stroke.
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To specifically explore the effects of physical activity interventions on cognitive function following a stroke, the researchers assessed 736 participants enrolled in 14 studies that had investigated the relationship between structured physical activity training and post-stroke cognitive performance. Study data were obtained via EMBASE and MEDLINE.

Results of the primary analysis indicated that physical activity had an overall positive effect on cognitive performance post-stroke. In particular, mixed-effects analyses showed that combined aerobic and strength training programs were associated with the largest cognitive gains, with improvements in cognitive performance achieved even during the chronic stroke phase (mean, 2.6 years post-stroke).

Additionally, the researchers observed positive moderate treatment effects for attention and processing speed measures. However, the effects of physical activity on executive function and working memory domains did not reach significance.

“We found a significant positive effect of [physical activity] training on cognition poststroke with small to moderate treatment effects that are apparent even in the chronic stroke phase,” the researchers concluded. “Our findings support the use of [physical activity] training as a treatment strategy to promote cognitive recovery in stroke survivors.”

—Christina Vogt

Reference:

Oberlin LE, Waiwood AM, Cumming TB, Marsland AL, Bernhardt J, Erickson KI. Effects of physical activity on poststroke cognitive function: a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Stroke. 2017;48(11). https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.117.017319.