Study of Aerobic Training Effects on Heart and Lung Fitness and Quality of Life in Stroke Survivors Aged 55 to 65

What this Trial Is About

Stroke is a significant health issue in the Egyptian population, with a noticeable rise in prevalence across all regions. Many stroke survivors experience disabilities that limit their physical activity, and their cardio-respiratory fitness is often negatively affected, increasing the risk of other heart-related diseases. This study aims to assess how aerobic training impacts cardiovascular endurance in stroke survivors to help speed up recovery and reduce risks of cardiac dysfunction and recurrent strokes. The study involves eighty post-stroke patients aged 55 to 65 who have hemiplegia or hemiparesis and functional ambulatory category above three. Participants will be randomly assigned to two groups one group will receive an aerobic training program combined with traditional physical therapy, while the other group will receive only the traditional physical therapy program. The aerobic training involves interval moderate exercise sessions three times a week for 16 weeks, lasting 30 to 40 minutes with warm-up and cool-down periods, at 50-80% of maximal heart rate adjusted monthly. The physical therapy includes neurorehabilitation exercises focusing on weight shifting, shoulder movements, knee extension, sensory reeducation, and body awareness. During the 16-week study, participants will undergo assessments including the 6-Minutes Walk Test and the Stroke Impact Scale at the start and end of the trial. These will evaluate cardiorespiratory fitness, walking endurance, and health-related quality of life. The study uses a quadruple-masked randomized design to ensure unbiased results. Participants adherence and safety will be monitored throughout, with follow-up evaluations after completing the intervention period.

Aerobic Training on Cardio-respiratory Fitness and Health Related Quality of Life