14 DAY TRIAL // Scientists have for many years assumed that, in order for a set of exercises to have the most significant effect, it had to be repeated countless times over, at high levels of intensity. But a new investigation has evidenced that even mild-intensity physical activities can promote a reduction in the number of depression-related symptoms, but are also able to improve health and help patients recovering from strokes. Oddly enough, one of the most common side-effects of suffering from a stroke is depression, which makes itself felt over the next few weeks, maybe even months. At those critical points, exercising at low intensity levels could significantly benefit these patients, PhysOrg reports.
“The power of physical activity to raise the spirits of recovering stroke patients is stronger than anyone suspected,” said Dr. Jocelyn Harris, who is a researcher at the Heart and Stroke Foundation. She made her presentation recently, at the Canadian Stroke Congress, an event that was co-hosted by the Canadian Stroke Network, the Heart and Stroke Foundation, and the Canadian Stroke Consortium. The expert told colleagues and attendants that depression was a major concern during the recovery process, simply because it could hinder the recovery process. Patients lose motivation, have less energy, are tired all the time, and also find it difficult to focus on things.
The research team behind the study admits that intense workouts are best suited for reducing depression symptoms, but stresses that most stroke patients also undergo special treatments at the same time when they should be exercising. Oftentimes, this prevents them from carrying out intensive tasks, and as such making effort in small increments may be their best option. “Many stroke patients could never reach aerobic levels high enough to alleviate depressive symptoms,” explained Harris, who also holds an appointment at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute. He added that depression might linger in stroke patients for years after they'd had their accidents, if measures to get rid of it were not applied as soon as possible.
“Depression and depressive symptoms in the weeks following a stroke are very common. Depression may be a direct result of the damage to a region of brain and in addition, the sudden change in ability and life circumstances. It's important to know that depression is treatable. Patients and caregivers should mention depressive symptoms and seek treatment during follow-up visits with their neurologist, internist, or family physician,” says Dr Michael Hill, who is a spokesman for theHeart and Stroke Foundation.
“We need to create more meaning and purpose in the lives of stroke survivors. Whether it is gardening, enjoying the grandchildren, or going for a walk in a beautiful park, there are many focuses that can raise mood, alleviate depression, and improve recovery in stroke survivors,” concludes Dr Antoine Hakim, who is a spokesman for the Canadian Stroke Network.