Survivors of stroke should be prescribed exercise, US experts have insisted.

According to a scientific statement by the American Heart Association and the American Stroke Association, exercise is an important part of post-stroke care, ‘yet too few healthcare professionals prescribe it as a form of therapy for stroke'.

Around 10,000 people suffer a stroke in Ireland every year and there are an estimated 50,000 stroke survivors around the country.

The experts said that many people lead inactive lives after a stroke and this reduces their ability to carry out everyday activities, such as bathing, dressing and moving from one place to another. It also increases their risk of suffering another stroke.

"There is strong evidence that physical activity and exercise after stroke can improve cardiovascular fitness, walking ability and upper arm strength. In addition, emerging research suggests exercise may improve depressive symptoms, cognitive function, memory and quality of life after stroke," commented the statement's lead author, Dr Sandra Billinger, of the University of Kansas Medical Center.

The experts acknowledged that stroke survivors often have to overcome a number of barriers to exercise, such as fatigue, depression, a lack of motivation and a lack of social support.

"These patients may not know how or cannot afford to take advantage of exercise programmes in their communities, or they can't drive to an exercise facility, or they might not feel comfortable going to a gym.

"We as healthcare providers need to help stroke patients develop the skills and confidence they need to begin and maintain an exercise program that includes aerobic exercise and strength training as part of their stroke care," Dr Billinger said.

She insisted that the key to exercise is that it is done consistently.

The statement recommends that in general, stroke survivors should exercise for 20 to 60 minutes at least three days a week, depending on their functional capacity. Multiple shorter bouts of exercise - 10 to 15 minutes - should be considered for those with less functional capacity.

Simple activities, such as walking, can build up strength and endurance and make a big difference to stroke survivors, Dr Billinger said.

"Anything is better than just sitting on the couch," she added.

The statement was published in the journal, Stroke.