Rosa M. Cabanas, lecturer and researcher in the Department of Physiotherapy at UIC, has led a study highlighting the benefits of performing short bouts of physical activity throughout the day to support the recovery of people who have experienced a stroke. The research, funded by Caser Foundation and the College of Physiotherapists of Catalonia, underlines the importance of physiotherapy in helping patients regain mobility and independence in everyday activities.

The study involved 36 patients who followed a home-based exercise programme for 12 weeks, completing four three-minute sessions each day. The activities, tailored to each participant’s abilities, included exercises such as sitting down and standing up from a chair, squats, going up and down stairs, and brisk walking, with weekly monitoring by a physiotherapist.

The results showed reduced perceived fatigue, improved health-related quality of life, and gains in mobility and functional independence. Among the participants was one individual who was able to return to work following the intervention.

“Recovery after a stroke is a long process,” explains Cabanas, who emphasises the importance of remaining physically active, even if this involves doing exercises for just a few minutes at a time and incorporating them into daily routines.

The researcher also highlights the role of physiotherapy not only in adapting exercises to each patient’s needs, but also in motivating patients throughout the recovery process. In this regard, the study reinforces the importance of promoting accessible, personalised rehabilitation programmes that support people’s independence following a stroke.