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Effects of aerobic training on physical activity in people with stroke: A randomized controlled trial

L. T. Aguiar, S. Nadeau, R. Britto, L. Teixeira-Salmela, J. C. Martins, G. R. Samora, J. D. da Silva, C. D. C. de Morais Faria

NeuroRehabilitation (Reading, MA), 2020

22 participants · 46 citations

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Individuals with stroke have low physical activity levels and spend high amount of time in low-energy expenditure activities. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of aerobic treadmill training on physical activity levels and time spent in low-energy expenditure activities (primary outcomes), as well as on cardiorespiratory fitness, endurance, depression, mobility, quality of life and participation (secondary outcomes) after stroke. METHODS: A randomized controlled trial, with 22 adults with chronic stroke was performed. Experimental group: aerobic treadmill training at 60–80% of heart rate reserve. Control group: outdoor-overground walking below 40% of heart rate reserve. Both groups: three 40 min sessions/week over 12 weeks. Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-training, and 16-week follow-up. RESULTS: No changes in the primary outcomes were found for any of the groups. The experimental group showed greater improvements in quality of life at 16-week follow-up (13 points;95% CI:3.5–23). Both groups improved depression (2.2 points;95% CI:0.01–4.3), endurance (Six-minute walk test:31 m;95% CI:5.6–57, Incremental shuttle-walk test:55 m;95% CI:3.8–107), and mobility (0.12 m/s;95% CI:0.02–0.2). CONCLUSION: Aerobic treadmill training improved quality of life. Aerobic treadmill training or outdoor-overground walking improved depression, endurance and mobility. Further studies are needed to clarify the effects of aerobic training on physical activity levels and time…

How strong is the evidence?

Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 3 of 5 (Moderate · trial / cohort / secondary analysis). Trials without a large randomized design, cohorts and secondary analyses give moderate evidence. Reported size: 22 participants or records.

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