New research from a study conducted in Rome suggests that the power of prayer and faith helps stroke victims recover faster.

Of course, scientists aren't going to claim to have proven the existence of a higher power. Instead, researchers speculate that a patient's spirituality can help to reduce emotional stress during recovery, and help patients feel that they are not alone, which reduces stress regardless of whether the patient feels they're not alone because of their faith or because of social support.

While the research was conducted in Rome where most residents are Catholic, the results are expected to be similar for other denominations and religions as well.