The Effects of Arm Ergometry Exercise in Acute Stroke Patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effect of arm ergometry exercise training on the cardiovascular system and sensorimotor function in the early stroke patients. METHOD: 19 stroke patients without cardiac disease were randomly assigned to exercise training group (9 patients) and control group (10 patients). The time interval between the onset of stroke and exercise training was 20 days. The training group subjects were trained three times a week for 30 minuts by arm ergometry and conventional rehabilitation during 4 weeks. Exercise intensity was prescribed at 30% to 60% of heart rate reserve. Control group were trained only conventional rehabilitation. Exercise test with arm ergometry was performed before and after 4 weeks training period. To evaluate sensorimotor function, Fugl-Meyer score of upper extremities was measured before and after 4 weeks training period. RESULTS: In training group, heart rate at rest decreased after 4 weeks training significantly. However, improvement of peak oxygen uptake was not significant. After 4 weeks, the difference of Fugl-Meyer score are correlate the difference of peak oxygen uptake. CONCLUSION: Early aerobic exercise training in stroke patients may improve resting heart rate and sensorimotor function.