Effect of Aerobic Exercise (Walking) Training on Functional Status and Health-related Quality of Life in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Trial (original) (raw)

A erobic exercise training in stroke has been shown to increase lower extremity strength, 1 improve aerobic capacity, 2 and functional abilities. 3 Although these outcomes may impact health-related quality of life (HRQL), 4 the effect of aerobic exercise on HRQL has been much less investigated. Improvement in HRQL after combined aerobic and strengthening exercise has been reported, 5 whereas others have shown no effect. 6 Aerobic training alone was investigated in only 1 study with no effect. Previous studies used mainly treadmill and cycle ergometers, with none examining more accessible and less expensive modes of aerobic training such as overground walking. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of a community-based, 12-week aerobic (walking) exercise program on functional status and HRQL in community-dwelling stroke survivors.