Improving life after stroke needs global efforts to implement evidence-based physical activity pathways.

Area of Science:

• Public Health
• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine

Background:

• Stroke significantly impacts global health, necessitating effective, equitable, and sustainable interventions for survivors.
• Existing rehabilitation strategies require enhancement to improve long-term outcomes and quality of life post-stroke.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for physical activity (PA) as a primary intervention to improve life after stroke.
• To highlight the benefits of PA in reducing stroke risk factors and enhancing functional recovery.
• To present best practice models for PA implementation across diverse global income settings.

Main Methods:

• Review of existing literature on physical activity and stroke.
• Analysis of preliminary evidence on the cost-effectiveness of PA interventions.
• Compilation of best practice service models from low-, middle-, and high-income countries.

Main Results:

• Physical activity demonstrates significant benefits in reducing modifiable stroke risk factors.
• PA improves functional outcomes and activity levels during stroke rehabilitation and post-discharge.
• Preliminary data suggests PA is a cost-effective approach for stroke management.

Conclusions:

• There is a compelling need to translate existing evidence into accessible PA pathways for all stroke survivors.
• Implementation of high-quality PA services should commence without delay, despite the need for further research on optimization.
• A global, concerted effort is required to integrate PA into routine care to enhance post-stroke life.