title: Effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise on central arterial stiffness and gait velocity in patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The effects of combined aerobic and resistance exercise training on central arterial stiffness and gait velocity in patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis were investigated.
  
  
  METHODS
  Twenty-six patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis were randomly assigned to either the combined aerobic and resistance exercise group (n = 14) or the control group (n = 12). The exercise intervention group received a combined aerobic and resistance exercise training (1 hr/day, three times/week for 16 wks), whereas the control group received usual care. Central arterial stiffness was determined by pulse wave velocity and augmentation index. Gait velocity was assessed using the 6-min walk test, 10-m walk test, and the Timed Up-and-Go test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Patients in the exercise intervention group had greater improvement of mean pulse wave velocity (P < 0.001), augmentation index (P = 0.048), and gait velocity (6-min walk test, P < 0.001; 10-m walk test, P < 0.001) than did patients in the control group. Patients in the exercise intervention group also had greater improvements in physical fitness component (grip strength, P < 0.001; muscular strength of upper and lower limbs, P < 0.027; flexibility, P < 0.001) when compared with control patients.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The combined aerobic and resistance exercise program significantly reduced central arterial stiffness and increased gait velocity in patients with chronic poststroke hemiparesis.
authors.affiliation: From the Health and Integrative Physiology Laboratory, Department of Sport Science, University of Seoul, Seoul, South Korea (YHL, SHP, ESY, SYJ); Exercise and Wellness Program, Arizona State University, Phoenix (CDL); and Department of Kinesiology and Nutrition, University of Illinois at Chicago (SOW, BF, SYJ).
authors.forename: Yong Hee
authors.initials: YH
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Soo Hyun
authors.initials: SH
authors.lastname: Park
authors.forename: Eun Sun
authors.initials: ES
authors.lastname: Yoon
authors.forename: Chong-Do
authors.initials: CD
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.forename: Sang Ouk
authors.initials: SO
authors.lastname: Wee
authors.forename: Bo
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Fernhall
authors.forename: Sae Young
authors.initials: SY
authors.lastname: Jae
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016009:Chi-Square Distribution; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D015444:Exercise / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology*; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D016014:Linear Models; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength / Q000502:physiology; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D012016:Reference Values; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D059289:Vascular Stiffness / Q000502:physiology*