We know that exercise provides many benefits including reducing risk factors for having a stroke. The Canadian Stroke Best Practice Recommendations state that most individuals that are medically stable should start an exercise program after having a stroke and recommends at least 150 minutes of exercise per week. Stroke-specific exercise programs are designed specifically to meet the needs of persons with stroke.
In Southeastern Ontario, stroke survivors and their caregivers can enjoy free stroke-specific exercise groups virtually or in-person. The Victorian Order of Nurses offers a virtual program for those living in Kingston, Frontenac, Lennox and Addington and Hastings and Prince Edward Counties. They also offer an in-person group in Trenton and are looking to expand these services to other parts of the region. Community Primary Health Care, Senior Support Services offers stroke-specific exercise groups in Smiths Falls currently and are eager to promote and expand this service for individuals living within Lanark, Leeds and Grenville. Revved Up is another exercise program in Kingston that offers an adapted exercise program for those living with disabilities (not specific to stroke). The stroke-specific exercise groups were met with many challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic and some are struggling to maintain participation. We are hoping to help spread the word that these groups are back in hopes to get them up and running fully across our region.
“The exercise makes you feel great! Both for my physical and mental health"! Stroke-Specific Exercise Participant
For more information on Stroke-specific exercise programs in Southeastern Ontario click here
To access the Canadian Stroke Community-Based Exercise Recommendations click here