Do aerobic exercises really improve aerobic capacity of stroke survivors? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND

Even if aerobic exercises are recommended to stroke survivors, the clinical significance of the effect of these exercises on aerobic capacity has not been definitely shown.

AIM

To investigate, if there is evidence that aerobic capacity, measured by maximal oxygen consumption, can be improved by aerobic training?

DESIGN

Systematic review and meta-analysis, all settings.

SETTING

Department of Physical and Rehabilitation Medicine of a University Hospital.

POPULATION

Adult stroke survivors.

METHODS

Search on CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Pedro. Study selection and extraction based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews. Random effects meta-analysis.

RESULTS

Based on 13 randomized aerobic training improved aerobic capacity on average by 2.5 mL/kg/min. Four of the included studies had low risk of bias.

CONCLUSIONS

There is strong evidence that aerobic training is capable of improving aerobic capacity of stroke survivors, supporting the routine recommendation for training after stroke.

CLINICAL REHABILITATION IMPACT

It is not known, if one type of training is more effective than others in stroke survivors.