Effects of Combined Aerobic and Resistance Exercise on Central Arterial Stiffness and Gait Velocity in Patients with Chronic Poststroke Hemiparesis. (September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lee, Yong Hee; Park, Soo Hyun; Yoon, Eun Sun; Lee, Chong-Do; Wee, Sang Ouk; Fernhall, Bo; Jae, Sae Young
• Is Part Of: American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation. Volume 94:Number 9(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-09
• Subjects: Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; Medicine, Physical -- Periodicals; 617.062
• DOI: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000000233
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0894-9115

Abstract

<abstract> <title>ABSTRACT</title> <sec> <title>Objective</title> <p>The effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on central arterial stiffness and gait velocity in patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis were investigated.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Design</title> <p>Twenty-six patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis were randomly assigned to either the combined aerobic and resistance exercise group (<italic>n</italic> = 14) or the control group (<italic>n</italic> = 12). The exercise intervention group received a combined aerobic and resistance exercise training (1 hr/day, three times/week for 16 wks), whereas the control group received usual care. Central arterial stiffness was determined by pulse wave velocity and augmentation index. Gait velocity was assessed using the 6-min walk test, 10-m walk test, and the Timed Up-and-Go test.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Results</title> <p>Patients in the exercise intervention group had greater improvement of mean pulse wave velocity (<italic>P</italic> < 0.001), augmentation index (<italic>P</italic> = 0.048), and gait velocity (6-min walk test, <italic>P</italic> < 0.001; 10-m walk test, <italic>P</italic> < 0.001) than did patients in the control group. Patients in the exercise intervention group also had greater improvements in physical fitness component (grip strength, <italic>P</italic> < 0.001; muscular strength of upper and lower limbs<italic>, P</italic> < 0.027; flexibility, <italic>P</italic> < 0.001) when compared with control patients.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>Conclusions</title> <p>The combined aerobic and resistance exercise program significantly reduced central arterial stiffness and increased gait velocity in patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis.</p> </sec> </abstract>