Life After Stroke: Staying Active, Independent, and Confident
Experiencing a stroke can bring unexpected changes, and the journey forward may feel uncertain at times. It's completely natural to have questions and concerns about what lies ahead — every stroke and every recovery is unique.
Recovery after a stroke can involve working through a range of challenges, such as changes in strength, coordination, balance, and sensation. Some people may also experience fatigue, stiffness, or discomfort and this varies from person to person.
While recovery can take time, it’s important to know that progress is possible. The human brain has a remarkable capacity to adapt—this ability is called neuroplasticity. With the right kind of stimulation, such as targeted and purposeful exercise, the brain can rewire itself to restore or compensate for lost function. However, this process requires structured, individualized planning—which is where an Accredited Exercise Physiologist (AEP) plays a crucial role.
What Do Exercise Physiologists Do for Stroke Survivors?
Exercise Physiologists are trained to support stroke survivors in regaining or maintaining physical function based on their individual goals. Whether it’s retraining for walking, running, reducing the risk of falls, increasing independence in exercising, or managing fatigue, AEPs create programs that are safe, effective, and aligned with the individual’s needs.
Addressing Comorbidities
Many stroke survivors also live with other health conditions such as hypertension (high blood pressure) or diabetes, which increase the risk of a second stroke. Fortunately, exercise can help with these comorbidities too.
Aerobic Exercise (e.g. brisk walking, cycling, swimming) helps lower blood pressure, improve cardiovascular health, and reduce stroke risk.
Resistance Training strengthens muscles but also plays a key role in blood sugar regulation, helping the body become more efficient at using glucose during and after exercise.
Why Balance Training Matters
Balance is often affected after a stroke, increasing the risk of falls and limiting independence. Balance training helps rebuild the body's awareness of position and movement by challenging the muscles, joints, and proprioceptors (sensory receptors in muscles and joints). This type of training enhances stability, improves confidence, and supports safer mobility during everyday tasks.
Final Thoughts
Recovery after a stroke is not about returning to who you were before—but about becoming stronger, more resilient, and more confident in what your body can still achieve. Through a combination of cardio, strength, and balance training, guided by a qualified Exercise Physiologist, stroke survivors can reclaim a sense of control, reduce their risk of future health issues, and improve their quality of life.
Meet Peter, a 79-year-old who is now 19 years post-stroke. Despite the time that has passed, Peter recognises the ongoing importance of regular exercise to maintain and improve his general fitness, mobility, and balance. Staying active not only helps him live independently but also plays a key role in reducing his risk of falls and supporting his overall quality of life.
When we asked Peter what he gets out of his supported exercise with Minelli, he said: “I'm staying out of a wheelchair and I would like it to remain that way."