Aerobic Exercise After Left-Sided Stroke Improves Gait Speed and Endurance A Prospective Cohort Study

Objective The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on individuals who have had a stroke and showed baseline scores lower than the standard scores for the 6-min and 10-meter walk tests. Design Individuals were assigned to groups according to gait performance, defined by the standard values in the 6-min and 10-meter walk tests (standard baseline score and lower baseline score), and brain injury side. Aerobic exercise, 30 mins per day, 2 times a week, for a total of 12 wks. The 6-min and 10-meter walk tests in five assessments: initial, after 4, 8, 12 wks, and 4 wks of follow-up, analyzed by multivariate analysis, with P value of less than 0.05. Results The 6-min walk test data showed an increase in endurance for lower baseline score and left-brain injury, during assessments 4, and follow-up, compared with standard baseline score (F-4,F-84 = 14.64). Lower baseline score showed endurance increase for assessments 2, 3, 4, and follow-up compared with assessment 1 (F-4,F-84 = 7.70). The 10-meter walk test data showed an increase in speed for lower baseline score and left-brain injury, during assessments 3, 4, and follow-up, compared with assessment 1, 4, and follow-up, compared with assessment 2 (F-4,F-84 = 5.33). Conclusions Aerobic exercise increases gait endurance and speed in individuals who have had a stroke, with left-brain injury, and lower baseline score in the 6-min and 10-meter walk tests.

Automated summary

The study found that aerobic exercise can improve gait endurance and speed in individuals who have had a stroke, especially those with left-brain injury and lower baseline scores. Through a 12-week aerobic exercise program, significant improvements were observed in these individuals.