Forced-rate aerobic cycling improves locomotor function and gait biomechanics in individuals with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Objective: While cycling and walking are different motor tasks, both require the rapid reciprocal activation and relaxation of lower extremity muscles in a synergistic manner, promoting coordination patterns similar to walking. The aim of this secondary analysis was to examine the effects of forced-rate cycling on gait biomechanics post-stroke.

Design: A randomized controlled trial was conducted investigating the neuroplastic effects of forced-rate cycling on upper extremity motor recovery in individuals (n = 60) post-stroke. In this secondary analysis, a subset of participants (n = 45) completed biomechanical gait assessment at baseline and post-intervention.

Results: Gait velocity increased in the cycling group by 0.08 m/s and in the control group by 0.02 m/s, though a group difference was not observed (p = 0.195). Walking capacity (6-minute walk test) significantly improved by 53.3 m for the cycling group versus 15.6 m for the control group (p = 0.0036). Improvements in spatiotemporal characteristics in the cycling group included increased step length, cadence, and time spent in single-limb support, in addition to paretic limb kinetics.

Conclusion: Improvements in gait velocity following forced-rate cycling were accompanied by normalization of gait biomechanics rather than exaggerated compensatory strategies, supporting the use of aerobic cycling as a viable and safe intervention to improve locomotor control post-stroke.