Abstract P335: Effect of Aerobic Walking Exercise on Cardiovascular Health in Non-Ambulatory Stroke Survivors, a Pilot Study

Abstract

Background: Most of rehabilitation interventions in stroke rehabilitation are designed with a focus on improving the impaired sensorimotor function. However, around 75% of stroke survivors are prone to having cardiovascular diseases, the main cause of death in stroke survivors. Much less efforts have been made on how to control risks of cardiovascular diseases. Furthermore, past studies of aerobic exercise have involved only stroke survivors who could walk independently. Stroke survivors who were unable to walk were greatly ignored in past studies that measured risk of cardiovascular diseases. In this project, we examined the effect of aerobic walking exercise on cardiovascular risk factors in non-ambulatory stroke survivors using a treadmill and body weight support system. Methods: So far, we have completed a low intensity walking exercise program with body weight support system (30 minutes/session; three sessions/week for eight weeks) in three ischemic stroke survivors (two males, mean age 60.3±17.6 years). Blood pressure (BP) and resting heart rate (RHR) were measured pre- and post-intervention. Results: Pre- and post-intervention systolic BP decreased from 151.3±17.2 mmHg to 137.3±27.6 mmHg; diastolic BP decreased from 95±14.4 mmHg to 86±8.6 mmHg; RHR decreased from 74±19.3 beats/minute to 68±20.2 beats/minute, respectively. Conclusion: This is an ongoing study, and we are still recruiting study participants. The current results are promising and suggest that the aerobic walking exercise may decrease BP and RHR in non-ambulatory stroke survivors.