Evaluation of Phase IV Cardiac Rehabilitation Exercise Training in Stroke Survivors

EVALUATION OF PHASE IV CARDIAC REHABILITATION EXERCISE TRAINING IN STROKE SURVIVORS

S. Meadows and A. Ferrusola-Pastrana

School of Sport and Exercise Sciences, University of Kent

Abstract

Aims To evaluate health and functional fitness parameters of stroke survivors participating in a Phase IV style cardiac rehabilitation circuit class.

Introduction: Stroke is a leading cause of mortality and disability worldwide and the economic costs of treatment and post-stroke care are substantial. Therefore, interventions to help with risk factor management and aid stroke recovery are needed. Exercise training (cardiovascular & strength) offers a potential means to alleviate the burden associated with long-term disability and improve stroke survivor quality of life (QoL).

Methods 25 stroke survivors (male = 11; female = 14; mean age 59.5 ± 14.3years) with at least 3-months engagement in a weekly Phase IV-style circuit exercise class completed anthropometric (body mass index [BMI] and waist circumference), health (resting blood pressure), and functional capacity measurements (6-minute shuttle walking distance [6MWD], timed up and go [TUG] and bilateral grip strength [GS]).

Results Mean BMI did not significantly change (28.77 ± 4.89kg/m2 to 29.12 ± 5.32kg/m2). Regional weight distribution measured by waist circumference remained similar. Resting blood pressure decreased significantly (SBP p<0.001; DBP p<0.03) with mean SBP decreasing by 7.77% to achieve clinical significance to a normotensive value (131 ± 14mmHg). 6MWD improved (p<0.001) from a mean of 351 ± 100m to 432 ± 113m (19.80% improvement). TUG performance was 12.19% quicker (p<0.006), as was left (p<0.03) & right (p<0.02) GS (8.85% and 32.04%, respectively).

Conclusion Circuit-based exercise training offers considerable health and functional capacity benefits to stroke survivors potentially helping to promote recovery, QoL and reduce the disability burden.