Yoga and exercise for stroke

Yoga and exercise support stroke prevention and, carefully, stroke recovery. They have no role during the stroke itself. If someone is showing stroke symptoms, call 112 immediately; do not attempt any exercise, massage, or yoga.

For prevention (healthy adults and those at risk)

• Aerobic movement: 30 minutes of brisk walking, cycling, or swimming most days lowers blood pressure and stroke risk.
• Gentle yoga: tadasana, vrikshasana, marjariasana (cat-cow), and balasana (child's pose) support flexibility, balance, and stress control.
• Breathing practices: slow diaphragmatic breathing and anulom-vilom can modestly lower blood pressure in some people. Avoid forceful pranayama like kapalbhati and bhastrika if blood pressure is high or uncontrolled.
• Avoid risky practices: headstands, shoulder stands, and long breath-holding are unsafe for people with uncontrolled hypertension or previous stroke.

After a stroke (only with the treating team's approval)

• Start with rehabilitation, not yoga class: physiotherapy and occupational therapy come first and are the evidence-backed foundation.