Exercise following stroke: Start survivors on the road to recovery by Marianne Shaughnessy, PhD, CRNP

Stroke is the third leading cause of death in the United States and a leading cause of disability. Each year, more than 795,000 people suffer a new or recurrent stroke; approximately one every 40 seconds. Stroke is a leading cause of serious long-term disability for the 6.4 million survivors in the US today. After age 55, the chance of having a stroke approximately doubles for each decade of life.

Rehabilitation and wellness professionals are in the best position to help these stroke survivors attain and maintain optimal levels of health and function. Each type of professional has a role to play.