The role of physical activity in the prevention of stroke is of great interest due to the high mortality and significant impact of stroke-related morbidity on the individual and on healthcare resources. The use of physical activity as a therapeutic strategy to maximise functional recovery in the rehabilitation of stroke survivors has a growing evidence base. This narrative review examines the existing literature surrounding the use of exercise and physical therapy in the primary and secondary prevention of stroke. It explores the effect of gender, exercise intensities and the duration of observed benefit. It details the most recent evidence for physical activity in improving functional outcome in stroke patients. The review summaries the current guidelines and recommendations for exercise therapy and highlights areas in which further research and investigation would be useful to determine optimal exercise prescription for effective prevention and rehabilitation in stroke.

Elevated blood pressure is the leading preventable cause of cardiovascular disease (CVD) death and disability globally [1,2]. Adherence to anti-hypertensive medicines is the cornerstone to blood pressure control and subsequent reductions in CVD related death and disability [3]. However, adherence to anti-hypertensive medicines remains suboptimal globally and in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). A recent systematic review estimated rates of non-adherence to be 45% globally, rising to 63% among African and Asian populations [4]. Furthermore, non-adherence was noted in 84% of patients with uncontrolled hypertension. Hypertension prevalence is highest in Africa (46%) compared to other regions and is expected to increase by more than 65% by 2025 [5,6]. Consequently, there is an urgent need to implement strategies to monitor and improve adherence to anti-hypertensive medicines in SSA.Chronic care delivery for hypertension and other noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) remains elusive to a majority of SSA countries where health systems have being designed primarily to address acute infective diseases, maternal and child health, and the HIV epidemic [7]. Where hypertension care is available, socio-economic barriers associated with receiving chronic care limit access and utilisation by patients, with a significant impact on decreasing adherence to medicines [8]. In recognition of this key barrier, some SSA countries have built universal healthcare delivery platforms that provide free or subsidised hypertension care and medicines to their population. However, even in these areas, adherence remains sub-optimal.In Namibia, where universal care for hypertension is provided through public health care (PHC) facilities, Nashilongo et al. assessed the levels and predictors of adherence to antihypertensive medication, and validated a modified version of the Hill-Bone scale for compliance [9]. Their study recruited 120 patients regularly receiving medication refills for hypertensive drugs in four semi-urban PHC facilities in Windhoek. The primary outcome measure was the proportion of patients with ≥80% adherence on the Hill-Bone compliance scale, predefined as acceptable adherence.The modified Hill-Bone Scale for compliance had reasonable internal consistency and construct validity for assessing adherence in this population. Mean adherence level was 77% which was lower than the pre-specified ≥80% level designating good adherence. 58% of patients had adherence levels ≤80%. Independent predictors of good adherence after multivariable logistical regression were having a treatment support buddy, never having missed a clinic appointment, and always attending follow-up visits. Although age and distance to the PHC facility were associated with good adherence on bivariate analysis, these associations were not sustained in the multivariable model. Finally, no association was found between sex, employment status, education level, presence of a comorbidity, and knowledge on hypertension medicines or complications with adherence.Several limitations of thi...

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