Aerobic Exercise After Left-Sided Stroke Improves Gait Speed and Endurance: A Prospective Cohort Study.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of aerobic exercise on individuals who have had a stroke and showed baseline scores lower than the standard scores for the 6-min and 10-meter walk tests. DESIGN: Individuals were assigned to groups according to gait performance, defined by the standard values in the 6-min and 10-meter walk tests (standard baseline score and lower baseline score), and brain injury side. Aerobic exercise, 30 mins per day, 2 times a week, for a total of 12 wks. The 6-min and 10-meter walk tests in five assessments: initial, after 4, 8, 12 wks, and 4 wks of follow-up, analyzed by multivariate analysis, with P value of less than 0.05. RESULTS: The 6-min walk test data showed an increase in endurance for lower baseline score and left-brain injury, during assessments 4, and follow-up, compared with standard baseline score (F4,84 = 14.64). Lower baseline score showed endurance increase for assessments 2, 3, 4, and follow-up compared with assessment 1 (F4,84 = 7.70). The 10-meter walk test data showed an increase in speed for lower baseline score and left-brain injury, during assessments 3, 4, and follow-up, compared with assessment 1, 4, and follow-up, compared with assessment 2 (F4,84 = 5.33). CONCLUSIONS: Aerobic exercise increases gait endurance and speed in individuals who have had a stroke, with left-brain injury, and lower baseline score in the 6-min and 10-meter walk tests.

Lower limb auriculotherapy points improves balance in young healthy subjects-assessed by computerized baropodometry.

OBJECTIVE: To analyze the effects of Lower Limb (LL) auricular stimulation points on the static equilibrium of healthy subjects, assessed by computerized baropodometry. METHODS AND MATERIALS: Forty volunteers were assigned to one of two groups: Auriculotherapy (AT) who received unilateral needle stimulation of the coxofemoral, knee, and ankle points. Control (C) who did not receive any stimulation. We analyzed the contact area (CA) and the peak pressure (PP) for both feet at baseline, 20 and 25 min after the baseline was recorded. Three-Way ANOVA (P < 0.05) was used for data analysis. RESULTS: AT showed an increase in CA (F:6.49) and a decrease in PP (F:3.11) at 20 and 25 min, when compared to C. The PP decreased was only for the right LL at 20 and 25 min (F:6.45). CONCLUSION: The auriculotherapy points were able to modify the ipsilateral weight discharge on the same side of the stimulated auricular pavilion.