Physical fitness interventions for nonambulatory stroke survivors: A mixed-methods systematic review and meta-analysis.
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
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 |
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.