[Primary and Secondary Stroke Prevention: Physical Activity]

Primary and Secondary Stroke Prevention: Physical Activity Abstract. The evidence of positive effects of physical activity in primary and secondary stroke prevention has steadily increased in the last years. It is established that physical activity on a regular basis has a positive influence on the majority of vascular risk factors (e. g. on obesity, arterial hypertension, atrial fibrillation and so on). After a stroke, one of the main challenges is reducing the risk of a recurrent event and its possible consequences. Other important challenges are improving impaired brain functions, quality of life and independence in the activity of daily living as well as reintegration into the community [1]. Stroke-induced impairment of brain function has, besides its effects on motor, sensory, visual and speech functions, an influence on cognition and mood, which are determinants of physical activity after stroke [2]. Type, intensity and amount of physical activity have to be adjusted according to comorbidities and, if present, to residual neurologic impairments after a stroke.