J Korean Acad Rehabil Med.  2007 Dec;31(6):655-660.

The Effects of Arm Ergometry Exercise in Acute Stroke Patients

• Kang JY
• Chun MH
• Lee KG
• Park EJ
• Lee HY
• Jin YS
• Lee YT

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.

Keyword

Aerobic exercise; Stroke; Ergometry

MeSH Terms

Arm*
Cardiovascular System
Ergometry*
Exercise
Exercise Test
Heart Diseases
Heart Rate
Humans
Oxygen
Rehabilitation
Stroke*
Upper Extremity
Oxygen