—by Jeff Jurmain, MA
The healing benefits of exercise are absolutely boundless. And it certainly doesn’t take building up a huge sweat. Research has found that even a low-intense exercise program could reduce depression and boost physical therapy results for people recovering from a stroke.
Many survivors experience depression in the weeks and months following stroke, which can interfere with the recovery process. It can trigger lack of motivation, increased fatigue, trouble concentrating, and an overall reduced quality of life.
We know that intense exercise could help relieve this depression, but many stroke patients undergoing medical treatments have special challenges and can’t have that level of exertion. But without that fitness boost, depression can become a perpetual, unwelcome guest for stroke patients — and their caregivers.
Yet, a brand-new study shows that, in fact, there is no reason for patients to miss out on the benefits of physical activity. It tracked 103 patients, half of whom took part in a program meant to help upper limbs recover called “Graded Repetitive Arm Supplementary Program (GRASP).” The other 50 patients continued with regular treatment.
What the GRASP group did was 35 minutes, four times a week, of non-intense arm exercises. They were simply part of rehabilitation and activities as remedial as pouring water in a glass, buttoning a shirt, or playing games that tested speed and accuracy.
GRASP improved stroke-affected arm and hand function by 33%. It also improved the amount that the patient used their arm and hands. And, at one month, patients in the GRASP group reported less depressive symptoms than the control patients. All these effects were noticeable up to five months later.
Researchers say 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, or family physician. Depressive symptoms after a stroke are especially common. Studies have found that anywhere from 23% to 72% of patients may have depression, which is a huge margin that reflects the difficulty in gauging depression’s true impact.
Now we know that simply staying physically active could relieve the depression. It could be easy gardening, going for a walk, or doing some easy exercises with the arms. Nobody has to suffer in silence.
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