Article

Community exercise programs are effective in improving aerobic
capacity after stroke, but individual variability in training responses has not
previously been studied. This study examined explanatory factors for post-program
responses in aerobic capacity (VO2peak) with respect to training parameters and
participant characteristics. Design: Secondary analysis of data from a
prospective cohort study. Subjects: Thirty-two participants, mean age 63 years
(standard deviation (SD) 13), 29 months (SD 26) post-stroke. Method: Following a
6-month community exercise program, multivariate regression analysis was
performed to assess for correlates with change in VO2peak with respect to
training parameters (exercise duration and intensity) and participant
characteristics (lower limb and balance impairment, aerobic and walking
capacity). Results: The mean improvement in VO2peak was 11% (SD 19), but
individually, changes ranged from 32% decline to 56% improvement. Regression
analysis revealed that only 2 variables, baseline aerobic capacity and balance
impairment, accounted for the training-related change in VO2peak (R2 = 0.20, p =
0.045). Conclusions: There is considerable inter-individual variability in stroke
exercise program responses in aerobic capacity. Lower baseline aerobic capacity
and better balance were associated with greater training-related improvements in
VO2peak. Identifying individuals who are more likely to respond to exercise
programs may inform future work in establishing effective interventions suited
for different subsets of the stroke population.

Langue : ANGLAIS