title: Effects of resistance training and aerobic training on ambulation in chronic stroke.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this study was to directly compare the effects of aerobic training (AT) with progressive resistance training (RT) after stroke to determine whether AT-induced fitness gains or RT-induced strength gains translate into improved ambulation across a 12-wk intervention and whether gains are retained 1 yr after cessation of formal training.
  
  
  METHODS
  This study is a randomized controlled 12-wk intervention trial with a 1-yr follow-up. Forty-three community-dwelling independent walkers with a chronic ischemic hemiparetic stroke were allocated to AT using a cycle ergometer (n = 13), RT using training machines (n = 14), or low-intensity sham training of the arms (n = 16). The main outcome measures were 6-min walk distance and fast 10-m walking speed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Comparisons between AT, RT, and sham training revealed no clinically relevant effects on walking velocity or walking distance. Muscle strength improved after RT (P < 0.0001) and was preserved at 1-yr follow-up (P < 0.001). Aerobic capacity increased after AT (P < 0.001) but was lost during the follow-up observation period.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Improvement of muscle strength or aerobic capacity using non-task-specific training methods does not result in improved ambulation in patients with chronic stroke. Muscle strength gains were maintained at follow-up, whereas all improvements of aerobic capacity were lost, indicating a long-lasting effect of intensive RT even without maintenance training.
authors.affiliation: From the Hammel Neurorehabilitation and Research Centre, Hammel, Denmark (KS, ARP); Rigshospitalet, Neurocentret, Copenhagen, Denmark (JKJ); Department of Public Health-Section of Sport Science, Aarhus University (KO); and Department of Neurology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark (HA).
authors.forename: Kaare
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Severinsen
authors.forename: Johannes K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Jakobsen
authors.forename: Asger R
authors.initials: AR
authors.lastname: Pedersen
authors.forename: Kristian
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Overgaard
authors.forename: Henning
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Andersen
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D002908:Chronic Disease; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005080:Exercise Test / Q000379:methods*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D017079:Exercise Tolerance / Q000502:physiology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D018570:Risk Assessment; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*