Physiological Basis of Exercise Rehabilitation in Post-Stroke Patients at the Neurological Unit of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital

Stroke rehabilitation through structured exercise addresses multiple physiological deficits including motor dysfunction, cardiovascular deconditioning, and metabolic dysregulation. This study examined the physiological basis and outcomes of exercise rehabilitation among post-stroke patients at the Neurological Unit of Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano State, North West Nigeria. Fifty post-stroke patients in stable condition were enrolled in a supervised eight-week exercise rehabilitation programme comprising passive, active-assisted, and progressive resistance training components. Physiological assessments at baseline and week eight included blood pressure, resting heart rate, grip strength, six-minute walk distance, and modified Barthel Index for functional independence. Paired t-tests and Wilcoxon signed-rank tests were applied. Results showed significant improvements in six-minute walk distance, grip strength, and functional independence scores following the programme. Blood pressure showed a significant reduction in hypertensive subgroups. Resting heart rate did not change significantly. Patients with less severe initial neurological deficits demonstrated the greatest rehabilitation gains. The study concludes that structured exercise rehabilitation produces meaningful physiological and functional improvements in post-stroke patients in Kano. Formalised neurological rehabilitation exercise protocols and trained physiotherapy staff are recommended as standards of care. Keywords: stroke rehabilitation, exercise, cardiovascular deconditioning, functional recovery, Kano.