The feasibility and the effects of cycloergometer interval-training on aerobic capacity and walking performance after stroke. Preliminary study.
BACKGROUND
After stroke, the early and persistent decline in aerobic capacity leads to diminish walking capacities. The aim of the study is to investigate the effects of aerobic cycloergometer interval-training on the walking performances in subacute and chronic stroke survivors.


METHODS
A prospective design was used. Fourteen patients whose stroke had occurred more than 3 months and less than 2 years performed an aerobic training session with a cycloergometer for 8 weeks. A maximal exercise test, a 6-min walking test, a 20-m test and an isokinetic muscle strength test were realized before and after training session.


RESULTS
There was a significant increase after aerobic training in maximal power (Pmax) (mean 23.2%, P<0.0001), in VO(2peak) (mean 14.8%, P=0.04), and in the knee extension and flexion muscle peak torque on the nonparetic side and extension on the paretic side in isokinetic mode (mean from 13 to 29%, P=from 0.019 to P=0.0007) and in the walking performances on the 6-min walk test (mean 15.8%, P=0.0002).


CONCLUSIONS
Patients with subacute and chronic stroke can improve aerobic capacity, muscle strength and walking performances after cycloergometer interval-training. Although these results must be interpreted with caution considering the small size of our sample, they suggest that aerobic training is a safe and potentially effective training after stroke and an alternative to walking treadmill training.
Unité LPE (EA 4338), service de médecine physique et de réadaptation, faculté de médecine Jacques-Lisfranc, université Jean-Monnet, hôpital Bellevue, CHU de Saint-Étienne, 42055 Saint-Étienne cedex 02, France. paul.calmels@chu-st-etienne.fr
P
P
Calmels
F
F
Degache
A
A
Courbon
F
F
Roche
J
J
Ramas
I
I
Fayolle-Minon
X
X
Devillard
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D015444:Exercise; D005080:Exercise Test; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D017079:Exercise Tolerance; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010101:Oxygen Consumption; D011446:Prospective Studies; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016138:Walking; D055815:Young Adult