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Physical fitness interventions for nonambulatory stroke survivors: A mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis.

Brain and behavior
July 1, 2018
Megan Lloyd et al. (5 authors)
Journal ArticleMeta-AnalysisResearch Support, Non-U.S. Gov'tSystematic ReviewHuman Study
Study Details

Study Goal

The researchers aimed to evaluate the safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of fitness training, particularly assisted walking, for nonambulatory stroke survivors.

Results Summary

Assisted walking significantly improved fat mass, peak heart rate, oxygen uptake, walking endurance, speed, mobility, and balance, while cycle ergometry improved cardiovascular and metabolic markers. Case fatality and adverse events were low, suggesting safety and efficacy.

Population

Nonambulatory stroke survivors (FAC score ≤2), primarily in acute settings.

Effective Dosage

Not specified

Duration

Not specified

Interactions

None mentioned

Extracted Claims (19)
InterventionDirectionEndpointPopulationDosageImpactClaim #
assisted walking
decrease
fat mass
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#1
assisted walking
increase
peak heart rate
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#2
assisted walking
increase
peak oxygen uptake
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#3
assisted walking
increase
walking endurance
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#4
assisted walking
increase
maximum walking speed
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#5
assisted walking
increase
mobility
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#6
assisted walking
increase
walking endurance
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#7
assisted walking
increase
balance
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#8
assisted walking
increase
mobility
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#9
assisted walking
increase
independent walking
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#10
cycle ergometer training
increase
peak heart rate
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#11
cycle ergometer training
increase
work load
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#12
cycle ergometer training
increase
peak ventilation
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#13
cycle ergometer training
increase
peak carbon dioxide production
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#14
cycle ergometer training
increase
HDL cholesterol
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#15
cycle ergometer training
decrease
fasting insulin
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#16
cycle ergometer training
decrease
fasting glucose
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#17
cycle ergometer training
increase
independence
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
significantly improved
#18
fitness training
no change
case fatality
nonambulatory stroke survivors
-
did not differ
#19
Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Physical fitness training after stroke is recommended in guidelines across the world, but evidence pertains mainly to ambulatory stroke survivors. Nonambulatory stroke survivors (FAC score ≤2) are at increased risk of recurrent stroke due to limited physical activity. This systematic review aimed to synthesize evidence regarding case fatality, effects, experiences, and feasibility of fitness training for nonambulatory stroke survivors. METHODS: Eight major databases were searched for any type of study design. Two independent reviewers selected studies, extracted data, and assessed study quality, using published tools. Random-effects meta-analysis was used. Following their separate analysis, qualitative and quantitative data were synthesized using a published framework. RESULTS: Of 13,614 records, 33 studies involving 910 nonambulatory participants met inclusion criteria. Most studies were of moderate quality. Interventions comprised assisted walking (25 studies), cycle ergometer training (5 studies), and other training (3 studies), mainly in acute settings. Case fatality did not differ between intervention (1.75%) and control (0.88%) groups (95% CI 0.13-3.78, p = 0.67). Compared with control interventions, assisted walking significantly improved: fat mass, peak heart rate, peak oxygen uptake and walking endurance, maximum walking speed, and mobility at intervention end, and walking endurance, balance, mobility, and independent walking at follow-up. Cycle ergometry significantly improved peak heart rate, work load, peak ventilation, peak carbon dioxide production, HDL cholesterol, fasting insulin and fasting glucose, and independence at intervention end. Effectiveness of other training could not be established. There were insufficient qualitative data to draw conclusions about participants' experiences, but those reported were positive. There were few intervention-related adverse events, and dropout rate ranged from 12 to 20%. CONCLUSIONS: Findings suggest safety, effectiveness, and feasibility of adapted fitness training for screened nonambulatory stroke survivors. Further research needs to investigate the clinical and cost-effectiveness as well as experiences of fitness training-especially for chronic stroke survivors in community settings.

Medical Subject Headings (MeSH)
AdultExercise TherapyFemaleHumansMobility LimitationPhysical FitnessResearch DesignStrokeStroke RehabilitationSurvivors
Study Links
Quality Scores
Safety85
Efficacy80/10
Quality75/10
Citation Metrics
Total Citations20
Citations/Year2.9
Relative Citation Ratio1.72
NIH Percentile69.7%
Research Impact Scores
APT Score0.75
Weight Score2.05
Normalized Score0.81
Related Supplements
Physical fitness interventions for nonambulatory stroke surv... | Panacea Index