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The effect of physical activity on cognitive function after stroke: a systematic review
Toby B Cumming1, Karen Tyedin, Leonid Churilov
1Stroke Division, Florey Neuroscience Institutes, Melbourne, Australia. tcumming@unimelb.edu.au
International Psychogeriatrics
|October 15, 2011
Summary
Physical activity after stroke may improve cognitive function. However, more high-quality research is needed to confirm these findings in stroke survivors.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Cognitive Science
Background:
- Physical activity is known to benefit cognitive function in the general population.
- The impact of physical activity on cognitive performance in stroke patients remains under-investigated.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the relationship between increased physical activity post-stroke and cognitive performance.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review of randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical studies was performed.
- Studies were included if they assessed the effect of physical activity or exercise on cognitive function in stroke patients.
- Study quality was assessed based on criteria for minimizing bias.
Main Results:
- Twelve studies met the inclusion criteria, with heterogeneous exercise interventions.
- A meta-analysis of nine studies indicated a significant benefit of physical activity interventions over control groups (SMD = 0.20).
- Studies with higher methodological quality reported smaller treatment benefits.
Conclusions:
- There is preliminary evidence suggesting that increased physical activity enhances cognitive performance in stroke survivors.
- The current body of evidence is limited by a small number of studies and widespread methodological shortcomings.
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