Effects of different exercise protocols on aerobic capacity, blood pressure, biochemical parameters, and body weight in chronic stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To explore the impact on risk factors for recurrent stroke after gait training among persons restricted in walking in the chronic phase after stroke.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, two groups performed gait training, 1 session/day, 3 days/week for 6 weeks, including electromechanically assisted gait training on a treadmill (EAGT) (n=12) or variable conventional gait training only (n=15); a control group (n=11) continued as usual. Endurance assessed with the 6-minute walk test, blood pressure, weight and blood samples were collected at baseline and after 6 weeks. Total Cholesterol, High Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, and Triglycerides in plasma, and HbA1c in blood (reflecting glucose levels) were analysed.

Results: The EAGT group walked more than twice the distance compared to the Conventional training group while the effective training time was similar. Endurance in walking increased most in the Conventional group while the Control group declined. Systolic blood pressure decreased most in the Conventional group, with a moderate effect size (ŋp2) of 0.0921 (95% confidence interval (CI)0.0012-0.2598). Body weight decreased most in the EAGT group with a large effect size (ŋp2) of 0.1406 (95% CI0.0047-0.3452). Lipid levels exhibited non-conclusive changes and HbA1c did not change significantly in any group.

Conclusions: Results indicate that six weeks of gait training may change risk factors for recurrent stroke even in persons restricted in mobility and that different training methods may have differential effects. These findings are in agreement with previous studies in less severely disabled persons and should encourage further studies in the current subgroup.