Exercise helps stroke survivors improve brain function

Researchers say it shows the brain is able to "rewire" itself when aided by the physical exercise.

The study involved 71 patients averaging 63 years of age who had suffered strokes about four years earlier. Some performed treadmill exercises while others performed stationary stretching.

Brain scans on the treadmill walkers showed increased activity in the areas of the brain which govern motor skills.

Scans of those who did the stretching showed no increase in brain activity.