Growth hormone linked to stroke recovery

Scientists have identified a hormone that could help stroke victims benefit from a better recovery.

A team at the Sahlgrenska Academy at the University of Gothenburg found that the hormone, normally associated with the growth system, has proved beneficial in the later stages of stroke rehabilitation.

The study, presented in the Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism, involved a two-year observation of 407 patients, aged between 18 and 70, who had been affected by stroke.

"This study is interesting for two reasons. The first is that we show that a hormone is associated with improved long-term recovery, and thus there is still the prospect of improvement – even after three months after the stroke," explained Associate Professor David Aberg who led the study with Professor Jorgen Isgaard.

He added that, secondly, the hormone was shown to be elevated in individuals who regularly exercise, explaining that this illustrated why stroke suffers who exercise more actively, with physiotherapy and physical exercise, generally demonstrate better recovery.