Summary of exercise recommendations for major neurologic disorders.
| Population | Exercise intervention | EB | Key considerations | Reported/potential effects | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Neuro-degenerative diseases/mild cognitive impairment | Moderate-intensity aerobic training ± resistance training (typically structured supervised programs, ~3–5 sessions/week, 8–24 weeks) | RCTs, MAs | Effects may depend on baseline cognitive status, adherence, and vascular comorbidities; heterogeneity in protocols | Associated with improvements in global cognition, executive function, attention, and gait performance | [8, 9, 50, 51] |
| Post-stroke patients with persistent motor deficits | Task-oriented motor rehabilitation combined with low-to-moderate intensity aerobic exercise and physiotherapy | RCTs, SRs | Individualized, goal-oriented interventions; strong dependence on lesion severity and rehabilitation timing | Improves functional mobility, walking capacity, balance, and ADLs | [107–109] |
| Peripheral neuropathic symptoms | Neuromotor training and progressive resistance exercises | RCTs, OS | Gradual progression required; monitoring for fatigue and sensory deficits essential | May improve proprioception, balance, and functional autonomy; reduced fall risk | [113, 114] |
| Epilepsy and demyelinating disorders (e.g., MS) | Supervised aerobic and resistance training within structured rehabilitation programs | SRs, MAs | Requires neurological supervision; exercise tolerance and safety monitoring essential | Associated with improved physical fitness, fatigue reduction, and functional outcomes; evidence mixed for disease activity effects | [115–117] |
| Autonomic dysfunction/exercise intolerance | Recumbent or semi-recumbent aerobic training, low-impact strengthening, graded verticalization protocols | RCTs, OS | Strong need for pacing strategies; symptom-contingent progression; risk of post-exertional intolerance | May improve exercise tolerance, endurance, and functional capacity when carefully titrated | [38, 111] |
The main benefits are based on evidence from randomized controlled trials and meta-analyses [97–116]. Precautions reflect clinical guidance and considerations for safe implementation. EB: evidence base (study type); Ref.: key-reference; RCTs: randomized controlled trials; MAs: meta-analyses; SRs: systematic reviews; ADLs: activities of daily living; OS: observational studies; MS: multiple sclerosis.
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