People who have suffered a stroke may improve their mobility and quality of life if they take up regular, brisk walking, a new study suggests.

A stroke occurs when the blood supply to the brain is interrupted, depriving it of oxygen. As a result, some of the brain cells die and others are damaged. Every year, some 10,000 people in Ireland suffer a stroke and 2,000 people die as a result. Thousands more are left with stroke-related disabilities.

Researchers divided 128 stroke survivors into two groups - one group did brisk outdoor walking three times a week over a three-month period, while the other group underwent therapeutic massage but did not do any supervised exercise.

The study found that the walking group reported a 16% improvement in their quality of life compared to the massage group.

They were also able to walk 17% further in a six-minute endurance test, indicating that their mobility and fitness levels had improved.

According to lead researcher, Dr Carron Gordon of the University of the West Indies in Jamaica, many people stop being active after a stroke because of a lack of energy or a fear of falling.

But she insisted that walking ‘is a great way to get active after a stroke'.

"It's familiar, inexpensive and it's something people could very easily get into," she explained.

She emphasised that you do not require any kind of equipment for walking and can do it in many parts of the community.

She said that while most of the participants were black people living in Jamaica, similar results could be expected in any cultural or ethnic group. However, the results do not extend to those unable to walk independently.

"Walking can help control blood pressure, reduce lipid or fat levels and help with weight control - all cardiovascular risk factors. So doctors should encourage it for patients who have had a stroke," Dr Gordon added.

Details of these findings are published in the journal, Stroke.