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Updated: Jul 17, 2026
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A Rehabilitation Program of Exoskeleton-assisted Body Weight-Supported Treadmill Training with Non-immersive Virtual Reality for Stroke Patients
Published on: May 16, 2025
Routine physiotherapy does not induce a cardiorespiratory training effect post-stroke, regardless of walking ability
Suzanne Kuys1, Sandra Brauer, Louise Ada
1School of Physiotherapy and Exercise Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast, Australia. s.kuys@griffith.edu.au
Summary
Routine physiotherapy after stroke does not provide sufficient cardiorespiratory training. Activities were too short and not intense enough to improve fitness for walking or non-walking stroke patients.
Area of Science:
- Cardiorespiratory fitness
- Stroke rehabilitation
- Physiotherapy
Background:
- Cardiorespiratory fitness impairment is a recognized issue post-stroke, necessitating physiotherapy.
- Current physiotherapy practices' effectiveness in improving cardiorespiratory fitness is under investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if routine physiotherapy induces a cardiorespiratory training effect in stroke patients.
- To compare cardiorespiratory stress during physiotherapy between walking and non-walking stroke patients.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive, observational study involving 30 stroke patients.
- Heart rate monitoring and video recording during physiotherapy sessions.
- Measured duration and intensity (percentage of heart rate reserve) of standing and walking activities.
Main Results:
- Stroke patients engaged in an average of 21 minutes of potentially cardiorespiratory training activities.
- Walking patients spent more time in these activities than non-walking patients (p < 0.05).
- Average intensity (24% heart rate reserve) was insufficient for training, with maximums of 35% (walking) and 30% (non-walking).
Conclusions:
- Routine physiotherapy rehabilitation lacked the necessary duration and intensity for cardiorespiratory training in stroke patients.
- Current physiotherapy protocols may need adjustment to enhance cardiorespiratory benefits.
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