The Effect of Aerobic Exercise on the Cardiovascular System in the Early Stoke Patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of aerobic exercise training on the cardiovascular system in the early stroke patients by bicycle ergometer exercise test. METHOD: 16 stroke patients without cardiac disease were randomly assigned to exercise training group (8 patients) and control group (8 patients). The time interval between the onset of stroke and exercise training was within 90 days. Exercise tests by bicycle ergometer using Astrand-Ryhming protocol were performed twice before and after training. Exercise training was consisted with the intensity of 60~70% of maximal heart rate, 30 minutes per day, 3 times per week for 6 weeks using bicycle ergometer. Modified Barthel Index (MBI) score and blood lipid profile were recorded before and during training. Blood pressure and heart rate were checked before and during exercise test. RESULTS: In a training group, maximal systolic blood pressure and rate pressure product were decreased immediately after exercise test after 6-weeks exercise training (p<0.05). The MBI score and lipid profile were not changed after training. CONCLUSION: Early exercise training in the stroke patients for 6 weeks have beneficial effects on the cardiovascular system.