The Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness in Stroke Patients

The Effects of Aerobic Exercise Training on Cardiorespiratory Fitness, Functional Capacity, Balance and Ventricular Repolarization Indices in Stroke Patients

Background:

Aerobic exercise training has favorable effects on quality of life, motor recovery, and aerobic endurance after stroke.

Objectives: In this study, the investigators aimed to explore the effects of anti-gravity treadmill gait training and underwater walking therapy on cardiorespiratory fitness in stroke survivors.

Methods: Seventy patients with a history of stroke were admitted to our center between July 2017 and January 2018. Subjects who participated in the study were randomly assigned to anti-gravity treadmill training, underwater walking therapy, and control group. Investigators examined the aerobic capacity of participants by using the 6-minute walk test and cycle ergometer testing before starting the treatment along with a one-month follow-up. The patient's balance was examined by using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS).

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients between the ages of 18 and 80 and diagnosed with stroke and time from stroke onset to admission were longer than three months
• Independent walking ability more than 10 meters with or without assistance
• Patients whose cognitive and functional status were suitable for the training program

Exclusion Criteria:

• Had a previous history of stroke
• Bilateral hemiplegia
• Leg-length difference >2.0 cm
• Fixed flexion contracture or severe joint deformity
• Bladder or bowel incontinence
• Open wound
• Cardiovascular complaints and can not tolerate exercise training
• Other neurological comorbidities including, multiple sclerosis (MS), spinal cord injury (SCI), traumatic brain injury (TBI), Parkinson's disease, and intracranial tumors
• Congestive heart failure
• Atrial fibrillation (AF), use of antiarrhythmic drugs affecting QT duration, any type of bundle branch block on electrocardiogram (ECG)