title: Effect of aerobic exercise (walking) training on functional status and health-related quality of life in chronic stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Little is known about the effects of community-based walking programs in persons with chronic stroke. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of aerobic (walking) training on functional status and health-related quality of life in stroke survivors.
  
  
  METHODS
  A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. The intervention group (n=64) walked overground for 30 minutes, 3 times per week for 12 weeks. The control group (n=64) received massage to the affected side. Medical Outcomes Short Form, 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), was used to assess health-related quality of life; Barthel Index and Older Americans Resource and Services scale for functional status; 6-minute walk test for endurance; and Motricity Index for lower extremity strength.
  
  
  RESULTS
  There was a trend toward greater improvement over time for the Physical Health Component of the SF-36 (P=0.077) and significantly greater improvement over time for distance walked in 6 minutes in favor of the walking group (P<0.001).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Aerobic walking improves the physical health component of quality of life and endurance in persons with chronic stroke. It should form part of a comprehensive health promotion strategy. Clinical Trial Registration- Trial was not registered as enrollment commenced before 2005.
authors.affiliation: Section of Physical Therapy, University of the West Indies, Mona, Jamaica, West Indies. carron.gordon02@uwimona.edu.jm
authors.forename: Carron D
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Gordon
authors.forename: Rainford
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Wilks
authors.forename: Affette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: McCaw-Binns
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015444:Exercise; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D006293:Health Promotion / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011788:Quality of Life; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D020521:Stroke / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking