Conclusions Stroke secondary prevention lifestyle interventions are effective in terms of affecting positive change in relation to lifestyle behaviours , physiological and secondary outcomes .
However , there was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of intervention on incidence of stroke recurrence .
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background Each year , approximately 15 million people worldwide have a stroke ; of these , five million die and another five million are chronically disabled .
Stroke recurs in approximately 25 % of patients during the first five years post-stroke ; recurrence may result in death , increased disability or institutionalisation .
Modifiable risk factors for recurrent stroke have been identified , and may be addressed by means of behavioural health promotion interventions .
Objectives This systematic review sought to establish the effectiveness of secondary prevention behavioural interventions , which address one or more modifiable lifestyle risk factors for recurrent stroke i.e. tobacco use , unhealthy diet , physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption .
A community-based group exercise program for persons with chronic stroke.
PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate the physical and psychosocial effects of an 8-wk community-based functional exercise program in a group of individuals with chronic stroke . METHODS Twenty-five subjects ( mean age 63 yr ) participated in a repeated measures design that evaluated the subjects with two baseline assessment s 1 month apart , one postintervention assessment , and one retention assessment 1 month postintervention . Physical outcome measures assessed were the Berg Balance Test , 12-Minute Walk Test distance , gait speed , and stair climbing speed . Psychosocial measures assessed were the Reintegration to Normal Living Index ( RNL ) and Canadian Occupational Performance Measure ( COPM ) . The 8-wk training consisted of a 60-min , 3 x wk-1 group program that focused on balance , mobility , functional strength , and functional capacity . The program was design ed to be accessible by reducing the need for costly one-on-one supervision , specialized setting s , and expensive equipment . RESULTS Improvements from the exercise program were found for all physical measures and these effects were retained 1-month postintervention . Subjects with lower function improved the most relative to their initial physical status . Significant effects were found for the COPM , but not the RNL Index ; however , subjects with lower RNL improved the most relative to their initial RNL Score . CONCLUSION A short-term community-based exercise program can improve and retain mobility , functional capacity , and balance and result in a demonstrable impact upon the performance of activities and abilities that were considered meaningful to the subjects . Implementation of such community-based programs has potential for improving activity tolerance and reducing the risk for secondary complications common to stroke ( e.g. , falls result ing in fractures and cardiac events )
Conclusions Stroke secondary prevention lifestyle interventions are effective in terms of affecting positive change in relation to lifestyle behaviours , physiological and secondary outcomes .
However , there was insufficient evidence to determine the effect of intervention on incidence of stroke recurrence .
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Background Each year , approximately 15 million people worldwide have a stroke ; of these , five million die and another five million are chronically disabled .
Stroke recurs in approximately 25 % of patients during the first five years post-stroke ; recurrence may result in death , increased disability or institutionalisation .
Modifiable risk factors for recurrent stroke have been identified , and may be addressed by means of behavioural health promotion interventions .
Objectives This systematic review sought to establish the effectiveness of secondary prevention behavioural interventions , which address one or more modifiable lifestyle risk factors for recurrent stroke i.e. tobacco use , unhealthy diet , physical inactivity and excessive alcohol consumption .