Balance and walking performance are improved after resistance and aerobic training in persons with chronic stroke. Issue 20 (25th September 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lund, Caroline; Dalgas, Ulrik; Grønborg, Therese Koops; Andersen, Henning; Severinsen, Kåre; Riemenschneider, Morten; Overgaard, Kristian
• Is Part Of: Disability and rehabilitation. Volume 40:Issue 20(2018)
• Page Start: 2408
• Page End: 2415
• Publication Date: 2018-09-25
• Subjects: Balance -- chronic stroke -- rehabilitation -- resistance training -- aerobic training -- walking; People with disabilities -- Periodicals; Rehabilitation -- Periodicals; 617.03
• DOI: 10.1080/09638288.2017.1336646
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0963-8288

Abstract

Abstract: Purpose: To investigate the effect of different types of physical training on balance performance and whether improved balance correlates with improved walking performance. Methods: Forty eight participants with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to aerobic training on cycle ergometer (AT-group), resistance training of the lower extremities (RT-group), or sham training of upper extremities (ST-group). Participants exercised 3 d/week for 12 weeks. Balance (Berg Balance Scale), peak oxygen uptake rate, isometric knee extensor strength, maximal gait speed, and 6 minute walk test were measured at baseline and after 12 weeks. Results: Training specific effects were observed; the AT-group improved peak oxygen uptake rate by 15.5 (6.0–25.0)%, the RT-group improved non-paretic knee extensor strength by 35.1 (18.3–51.9)% and the ST-group improved non-paretic knee extensor strength by 8.9 (0.7–17.1)%. All groups improved balance (6.0 (95% CI: 3.2–8.8)%), maximal gait speed (10.2 (6.5–14.0)%), and 6 minute walk distance (12.4 (8.8–15.9)%) but balance improvements did not correlate with improvements in muscle strength, peak oxygen uptake rate, or walking. Conclusions: Physical exercise improves balance and walking performance, but improved balance is not a prerequisite for functional improvements in chronic stroke. Implications for Rehabilitation: Aerobic training and progressive resistance training show small significant improvements in balance and walking, indicating a possible clinical relevance of these training modalities. Improvements in balance may not be a prerequisite for improvements in walking distance when assistive devices are allowed during walking tests.