Integrating Aerobic Training Within Subacute Stroke Rehabilitation: A Feasibility Study

Abstract

This individualized exercise program within a group delivery model was feasible; however, ensuring adequate aerobic targets were met was a challenge, and future work should focus on how best to include individuals with cardiac comorbidities.

Does Aerobic Exercise and the FITT Principle Fit into Stroke Recovery?

“…As expected, both groups improved, but the cycling group improved significantly more ( p <.01) relative to the control group for the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke (specifically the ability to stand independently), Fugl–Meyer Assessment, and Functional Independence Measure Motor Subscale. A more recent inpatient rehabilitation study determined the feasibility of exercise testing and prescription and provided a group recumbent stepping program 3×/week [24], resulting in an average of 7.9 sessions over 19.5 days (every 2.5 days). The total number of visits among the 23 participants ranged from 1 to 16 sessions.…”

“…Only a couple of studies have integrated aerobic exercise as part of inpatient stroke rehabilitation [23•, 24]. The authors highlight the importance that aerobic exercise may have on stroke recovery during the inpatient rehabilitation setting and the paucity of information guiding healthcare professionals for exercise prescription in subacute stroke [23•, 24]. Tang and colleagues discuss an important concept that “impairments in cardiore-spiratory function and neuromotor control are independent, yet can mutually reinforce one another” [23•].…”

“…The work by Biasin and colleagues examined whether aerobic exercise could be implemented during inpatient stroke rehabilitation [24]. The primary physical therapist would refer appropriate people poststroke (based on inclusion/exclusion criteria) for study enrollment.…”

Does Participation in Standardized Aerobic Fitness Training During Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Promote Engagement in Aerobic Exercise After Discharge? A Cohort Study

“…Acute or unstable cardiovascular conditions were the primary reasons for non-referral to the fitness program. 13 To characterize the participants the following variables were obtained from patient health records: age, sex, body mass index, stroke location and type, Berg balance scale scores, 16 National Institutes for Health stroke scale scores, 17 Clinical Outcomes Variables Scale scores, 18 diagnosis of hypertension, and diagnosis of cardiac disease. We selected items 1; 2 & 3; and 9 & 10 on the NIH score to determine whether participants had cognitive, visuospatial, or communication impairments at discharge which could become barriers to exercise post-discharge.…”

Does Participation in Standardized Aerobic Fitness Training During Inpatient Stroke Rehabilitation Promote Engagement in Aerobic Exercise After Discharge? A Cohort Study

“…However, significant aerobic adaptations may not be achieved during in-patient rehabilitation due to short lengths of stay and relatively low volumes of aerobic exercise. 13 Therefore, a second possible benefit of an aerobic training program during in-patient rehabilitation is increased self-efficacy for and knowledge about exercise 14 such that participants will be more likely to participate in physical activity after discharge. Indeed, 80% of individuals who completed the in-patient aerobic fitness program stated that they planned to continue to exercise postdischarge.…”