A meta-analysis combined data from studies involving 4,450 patients with post-stroke cognitive impairment. The researchers looked at various exercise types, including aerobic exercise, cognitive-motor dual-tasking, and functional motor training. They compared these activities to standard care or no specific intervention. The goal was to see if physical activity could help restore brain function and physical abilities after a stroke.
The results showed that combining aerobic exercise with other task-based interventions led to larger improvements in cognitive function. Patients also experienced better motor function and greater gains in activities of daily living. The analysis also measured biological markers in the blood. Levels of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, glutathione, and neuron-specific enolase increased significantly. At the same time, levels of interleukin-6 decreased notably.
No adverse events or discontinuations were reported in the included studies. This evidence provides guidance for early rehabilitation interventions. However, because this is a meta-analysis of existing studies, the specific exercise protocols varied. Readers should understand that while the overall trend is positive, individual results may differ based on the type of exercise and the patient's specific needs.