Comparing the effects of multicomponent exercise with or without power training on the cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, and muscular strength of patients with stroke: a randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Literature studies concerning the effect of implementing a multicomponent program with different individual exercise intensities are insufficient. This study aimed to examine the effects of performing a multicomponent exercise program incorporating high-speed power training on cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, and muscular strength in poststroke patients. We compared the results of two different exercise regimens: high-speed power training and traditional low-speed strength training. METHODS: Forty-five poststroke patients were randomly assigned to the high-speed, low-speed, and control groups. A 60-min multicomponent exercise program was conducted three times per week for 8 weeks in the two exercise groups, whereas static stretching was performed in the control group. Cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, and muscular strength were assessed before and after the intervention. RESULTS: Significant improvements were observed in the peak oxygen consumption values and results of the Berg balance scale, Korean version of the Trunk Impairment Scale, and Timed Up-and-Go test. The aforementioned were evaluated as a measure of cardiorespiratory func-tion and functional ability in the exercise groups and compared to those obtained in the control group. High-speed power training led to greater improvement in patients compared with low-speed strength training. CONCLUSIONS: Multicomponent exercise involving high-speed power training was beneficial in helping patients with stroke regain cardiorespiratory fitness, physical function, and muscular strength.