Abstract
BackgroundIndividuals affected by stroke present with changes in cardiovascular and respiratory functions. Cardiorespiratory training (CRT) is one of the classic intervention guidelines for cardiorespiratory fitness. CRT in association with the proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) technique for respiratory muscles could improve the quality of life, cardiorespiratory function and gait parameters of patients after stroke.ObjectiveTo assess the effects of respiratory and trunk patterns of CRT associated with PNF on the quality of life, gait, oxygen consumption, respiratory muscle strength and thoracic volumes.Methods/designA blind, randomized clinical trial with allocation confidentiality will be performed. Forty patients will be randomized into four groups: CRT-lower limb (LL) plus PNF; CRT-LL and respiration; CRT-upper limb (UL) plus PNF; or CRT-UL and respiration. Individuals will be evaluated at three different times (pretreatment, after 20 days of treatment and 1 month after the end of treatment). The treatment protocol consists of respiratory exercises, 30 min of CRT (cycle ergometer) and then repetition of the respiratory exercises, performed three times a week over a period of 20 days. Primary outcome measures are quality of life, gait, balance, peak oxygen uptake and rib cage compartment volumes. As secondary outcomes, respiratory function and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures will be measured. DiscussionThe association of PNF with CRT may be a viable and accessible alternative to increase cardiorespiratory function in patients with stroke.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03171012. Registered on 6 June 2017.
Highlights
Individuals affected by stroke present with changes in cardiovascular and respiratory functions
Cardiorespiratory training of the upper limbs with spontaneous breathing by the individual composed of spontaneous breathing with the hands positioned at the same points where the hands would be positioned by the therapist during proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) patterns, followed by 30 min of exercises on a cycle ergometer performed by the lower limbs and completed by repeating the initial breathing exercises
Relevance of the study The purpose of this clinical trial is to evaluate the efficacy of the addition of PNF patterns performed on the trunk to cardiorespiratory training in patients with stroke
Summary
To assess the effects of respiratory and trunk patterns of CRT associated with PNF on the quality of life, gait, oxygen consumption, respiratory muscle strength and thoracic volumes. Methods/design: A blind, randomized clinical trial with allocation confidentiality will be performed. Individuals will be evaluated at three different times (pretreatment, after 20 days of treatment and 1 month after the end of treatment). The treatment protocol consists of respiratory exercises, 30 min of CRT (cycle ergometer) and repetition of the respiratory exercises, performed three times a week over a period of 20 days. Primary outcome measures are quality of life, gait, balance, peak oxygen uptake and rib cage compartment volumes. Respiratory function and maximal inspiratory and expiratory pressures will be measured
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
