Effects of Regular Brisk Walking in Chronic Stroke Patients

Effects of Regular Brisk Walking in Chronic Stroke Patients

Chronic stroke patients (>6 months) fulfilling including criteria were trained during 3 months. The physical training program was based on walking.

Participants had been evaluated 4 times during a long follow-up period of 7 months. Activity limitations were assessed at baseline (enrollment time point), 1 month, 4 months and 7 months later.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Stroke onset > or = 6 months
• Able to walk without human assistance (may use walking aid)
• Sign informed consent form
• Approval from physician for participation in study
• Live in Belgium or in Benin

Exclusion Criteria:

• cardiac history of active unstable angina, recent (less than 3 months) myocardial infarction, or congestive heart failure
• orthopedic, circulatory, or chronic pain conditions restricting exercise;
• dementia;
• severe receptive or global aphasia with inability to follow 2-step commands;
• co-morbid non-stroke neurological disorder that impairs mobility (e.g. MS or Parkinson's);