Feasibility of a 6-month exercise and recreation program to improve executive functioning and memory in individuals with chronic stroke.
BACKGROUND
Physical activity is beneficial for improving cognitive function in healthy older adults. However, research results on the benefits of physical activity on cognitive performance after stroke are limited.


OBJECTIVE
To determine if a combined exercise and recreation program can improve the executive functioning and memory of individuals with chronic stroke.


METHODS
In all, 11 ambulatory participants with chronic stroke (mean age 67 ± 10.8 years) participated in a 6-month program of exercise for 2 hours and recreation for 1 hour weekly. Executive functions and memory were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months by a battery of standard neuropsychological tests, including response inhibition, cognitive flexibility, dual task (motor plus cognitive), and memory. Motor ability was also assessed. Nonparametric statistics were used to obtain the differences between the 3 assessments.


RESULTS
At baseline, substantial deficits in all aspects of executive functioning were revealed. From baseline to 3 months, the mean improvement was 10% ± 14% for the dual task (Walking While Talking), -3% ± 22% (χ(2) = 2.4; P > .05) for response inhibition (Stroop Test), and 61% ± 69% for memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test-long delay). From baseline to 6 months, the mean improvement was 7% ± 7.5% for response inhibition (Stroop Test). In addition, knee strength and walking speed improved significantly at 3 months.


CONCLUSIONS
This pilot study suggests that exercise and recreation may improve memory and executive functions of community-dwelling individuals with stroke. Further studies require a larger sample size and a control group.
Rand
Debbie
D
University of British Columbia & Rehab Research Lab, GF Strong Rehab Centre, Vancouver, Canada.
Eng
Janice J
JJ
Liu-Ambrose
Teresa
T
Tawashy
Amira E
AE
D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003071:Cognition; D056344:Executive Function; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008568:Memory; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011931:Reactive Inhibition; D020127:Recovery of Function; D011998:Recreation / Q000523:psychology*; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000523:psychology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000523:psychology
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