Physical Fitness Training in Subacute Stroke (PHYS-Stroke)

Physical Fitness Training in Subacute Stroke (PHYS-Stroke)

The aim of this study is to investigate whether a 4-week physical fitness training (target intervention) in stroke patients (subacute stage) increase the walking speed and activities of daily living compared with a control intervention (relaxation exercises). The target or control intervention is performed in addition to standard rehabilitation treatment.

Inclusion Criteria for patients:

• diagnosis of stroke within 5-45 days after stroke
• age >= 18 years
• able to sit for at least 30 seconds
• Barthel index < =65 at inclusion
• considered able to perform aerobic exercise as determined by responsible physician
• Written informed consent of the patient

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patient considered unable to comply with study requirements

• stroke due to intracranial hemorrhage primarily due to bleeding from ruptured aneurysm or arteriovenous malformation

• patients with progressive stroke

• unable to perfom the required exercises due to

  1. medical problems
  2. musculo-skeletal problems
  3. neurological problems

• required help to at least 1 persons to walk before stroke due to neurological or non-neurological co-morbidities

• life expectancy of less than 1 year as determined by responsible physician

• alcohol or drug addiction within the last 6 months

• significant current psychiatric illness as defined as medication-refractory of bipolar affective disorder, psychosis, schizophrenia or suicidality

• current participation in another intervention study