Acute Effects of Assisted Cycling Therapy on Post-Stroke Motor Function: A Pilot Study
Simon D Holzapfel1, Pamela R Bosch2,3, Chong D Lee1
1College of Health Solutions, Arizona State University, USA.
Rehabilitation Research and Practice
|March 26, 2019
Summary
Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) and voluntary cycling (VC) show similar acute benefits for lower extremity motor function in stroke survivors. Faster cycling cadences correlate with greater improvements in both upper and lower limb function.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Motor Recovery
- Clinical Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability in the US.
- Assisted Cycling Therapy (ACT) shows promise for motor function improvement in various populations.
- Acute effects of ACT on stroke survivors' motor function remain understudied.
Purpose of the Study:
- Compare ACT, voluntary cycling (VC), and no cycling (NC) effects on upper and lower extremity motor function in chronic stroke.
- Investigate cycling cadence and perceived exertion as predictors of motor function changes post-exercise.
Main Methods:
- A cross-over trial involving 22 adults with chronic stroke.
- Participants completed 20-minute sessions of ACT (approx. 80 rpm), VC (approx. 51 rpm), and NC.
- Motor function assessed using the Box and Blocks Test and Lower Extremity Motor Coordination Test.
Main Results:
- No significant difference in main effects between ACT and VC interventions.
- ACT improved all motor function measures; VC improved only lower extremity coordination on the non-paretic side.
- Higher cycling cadences in both ACT and VC were positively associated with greater motor function improvements.
Conclusions:
- Both ACT and VC yield comparable acute improvements in lower extremity motor function for stroke survivors.
- Upper extremity motor function improvements were less pronounced.
- Faster cycling cadences appear linked to enhanced acute motor recovery effects.
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