Stroke victims who take part in post-stroke walking training are more likely to walk faster, further and more independently than those who do not exercise, according to an updated review.

"Cardiorespiratory training, which used walking as the mode of exercise, can improve walking ability," said lead review author David Saunders, a lecturer in exercise physiology at the University of Edinburgh in Scotland.

Researchers looked at 24 studies that included 1,147 stroke patients. The analysis focused on how participation in fitness training programmes after stroke influenced rates of death, dependence or disability.

Fitness training included cardiovascular exercise (such as walking or cycling in women's fitness wear), strength training (such as free weights or resistance bands in gym clothes) or a combination of both.

Joel Stein, professor and chief in the division of rehabilitation medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College in New York City, said: "The large, overarching point to be made is that exercise is good for you."

According to the NHS, regular exercise can reduce the risk of stroke as it will make your heart and blood circulatory system more efficient, it will lower your cholesterol level, and also keep your blood pressure at a healthy level. ADNFCR-2569-ID-19404786-ADNFCR

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