Stroke patients who participate in a therapeutic exercise program can see a reduction in depression.
Depression is common in stroke patients. Earlier studies have discovered that physical exercise can help depressed patients, but the benefits of exercise on stroke patients are unknown.
During a study, the exercise program consisted of a progressive, structured, three-month regimen that targeted strength, balance, endurance and arm function.
After 3 months, depressive symptoms persisted in 14% of patients in the exercise group and 35.6% in the usual care group. After 9 months, the rates of depressive symptoms were 7.5% in the exercise group and 25% in the usual care group.