A systematic review of exercise trials post stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To perform a systematic review of exercise trials post stroke.


METHODS
A systematic review of controlled clinical trials.


METHODS
MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Amed, Sports Discus, Cochrane controlled trials register and PEDro were searched for relevant trials.


METHODS
Studies--randomized or quasi-randomized controlled clinical trials. Participants--Adults of any age with a clinical diagnosis of stroke. Interventions--Any cardiovascular exercise intervention aimed at improving cardiovascular fitness and/or function.


RESULTS
Impairment: gait speed, strength, endurance, balance, flexibility, tonus and exercise capacity. Disability: global dependency, functional independence. Extended activities of daily living. Quality of life. Death.


METHODS
Two independent reviewers categorized selected trials, documented the methodological quality and extracted the relevant data. Comparisons of cardiovascular exercise interventions versus no cardiovascular intervention were made. Statistical comparisons were carried out using a random effects model to calculate standardized mean differences.


RESULTS
We identified three eligible trials. Small numbers and heterogeneous outcomes limited the analyses and comparisons. Based on the limited data available, we found that cardiovascular exercise post stroke was no better than no exercise with respect to disability, impairment, extended activities of daily living, quality of life and death.


CONCLUSIONS
Insufficient evidence was identified to establish if cardiovascular exercise has a positive effect on disability, impairment, extended activities of daily living, quality of life and case fatality post stroke.
Meek
C
C
Mansionhouse Unit, South Glasgow University Hospital Trust, Scotland, UK meekchristine@hotmail.com
Pollock
A
A
Potter
J
J
Langhorne
P
P
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D010809:Physical Fitness; D011788:Quality of Life; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D016059:Range of Motion, Articular; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome