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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
Physical fitness training for stroke patients
Miriam Brazzelli1, David H Saunders, Carolyn A Greig
1Division of Clinical Neurosciences, University of Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK.
The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews
|November 11, 2011
Summary
Physical fitness training after stroke, particularly cardiorespiratory training involving walking, can improve walking speed and capacity. While overall effects on death and disability remain unclear, this training is beneficial for post-stroke rehabilitation.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Stroke survivors often exhibit low physical fitness levels.
- The impact of enhanced physical fitness on reducing post-stroke disability is not well-established.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of fitness training in reducing mortality, dependence, and disability post-stroke.
- To assess the effects of training on physical fitness, mobility, functional outcomes, quality of life, mood, and adverse events.
Main Methods:
- A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were conducted.
- Searches included major databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL) and ongoing trials registers.
- 32 RCTs involving 1414 stroke survivors were analyzed, comparing cardiorespiratory, resistance, or mixed training with control interventions.
Main Results:
- Cardiorespiratory training incorporating walking significantly improved walking speed and capacity, with sustained benefits at follow-up.
- Mixed training also showed improvements in walking speed and capacity, though effects were smaller and heterogeneous.
- Data were insufficient to determine the effects of resistance training; overall impact on death, dependence, and disability remains unclear due to limited data and trial heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Cardiorespiratory training involving walking is supported by evidence for improving walking outcomes in post-stroke rehabilitation.
- The broader effects of fitness training on mortality, dependence, and disability require further investigation.
- Well-designed trials are needed to optimize exercise prescriptions and ascertain long-term benefits.
