Systematic reviews by Field et al (2013) andVeerbeek et al (2014) recognise physical activity to be beneficial following a CVA and uncovered strong evidence for stroke patient interventions favouring intensive, highly repetitive, taskorientated and task-specific training in all phases post stroke. Meta-analysis (Evidence Based Review of Stroke Rehabilitation (EBRSR), 2014) showed significant positive
effects for 13 interventions relating to gait, 11 interventions relating to arm-hand activities, 3 interventions for physical fitness and another related to activities of daily living. 3 However, EBRSR (2014) also acknowledged that poorer J walking ability, specific sensory motor functions, and low J mood were found to be correlates for low levels of ;o physical activity affecting individual recovery. The therapeutic relationship between a nurse and patient could, therefore,provide a much-needed motivational impetus to improve some of these aspects that may hinder rehabilitation regimes.