Exercise and Executive Function in Individuals With Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Study
By Kluding, Patricia M.; Tseng, Benjamin Y.; Billinger, Sandra A.; Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy, Volume 35, Number 1, pages 11-17Publication Date: March 2011
Pilot study explored changes in measures of cognition and executive function in individuals with chronic stroke following participation in aerobic and strengthening exercise. A single-group pre-test post-test design was used. Participants were 5 men and 4 women with chronic stroke aged 45 to 76 years, who completed a 12 week program of aerobic and strengthening exercise, 3 days per week. Aerobic exercise incorporated upper and lower extremity reciprocal movements on a total body recumbent stepper (TBRS). Strengthening exercises for the lower extremities were performed using Theraband resistive bands, increasing resistance by changing elastic bands. Primary outcome measures examined executive function using the Digit Span Backwards task from the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale and the Flanker test of attention and executive function. Secondary measures examined various aspects of aerobic fitness using VO2peak and 6 minute walk distance tests, and function assessed by Fugl-Meyer and 10 meter walk speed tests. Following intervention, significant improvements were found in the digit span backwards test, showing a mean change of 0.56 digits; a mean change in the Fugl-Meyer score of 3.6; and a mean change in the Stroke Impact Scale total score of 33.8. A significant correlation was found between improved aerobic capacity and improved performance on the Flanker test. Study limitations and implications for future research are discussed.
Assistive Products Discussed: WECHSLER ADULT INTELLIGENCE SCALE-REVISED (WAIS-R)
Published by: Lippincott, Williams, & Wilkins (Website:http://www.lww.com)
Link to text: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3088429/?tool=pmcentrez
