Higher Treadmill Training Intensity to Address Functional Aerobic Impairment after Stroke

Peak aerobic capacity (VO2 peak) is severely worsened after disabling stroke, having serious implications for function, metabolism, and ongoing cardiovascular risk. Work from our laboratory and others has previously shown that modest improvements in VO2 peak are possible in stroke participants with aerobic exercise training. The purpose of the current investigation was to test the extent to which greater enhancements in VO2 peak after stroke are possible using a treadmill protocol with far greater emphasis on intensity progression compared with a protocol without such emphasis.

Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - August 23, 2015 Category: Neurology Authors: Frederick M. Ivey, Alyssa D. Stookey, Charlene E. Hafer-Macko, Alice S. Ryan, Richard F. Macko Source Type: research