Outcomes in People after Stroke Attending an Adapted Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Program: Does Time from Stroke Make a Difference?

The objectives of the present study are (1) to evaluate the effects of a CRP in participants with motor impairment after stroke and (2) to explore the effects of elapsed time from stroke on physiological/quality-of-life outcomes.Methods: The CRP included 24 weeks of resistance and aerobic training. Primary outcomes in 120 participants, 25.4 ± 42.3 (mean ± standard deviation) months after stroke, included 6-minute walk distance (6MWD), VO2peak, timed repeated sit-to-stand performance, and affected-side isometric knee extensor strength (IKES). Secondary measures included gait characteristics (cadence, step lengths, and symmetry), walking speed, balance (Berg Balance Scale), affected-side range of motion (ROM), elbow flexor and grip strength, anaerobic threshold, and perceptions of participation/social reintegration.Results: After adjusting for multiple comparisons, participants demonstrated significant improvements (all P 
Source: Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases - Category: Neurology Authors: Tags: Original Articles Source Type: research