Physical Fitness Training for Patients With Stroke

Graeme J. Hankey, MD, FRACP, FRCP Section Editor Physical fitness is low after stroke and this may cause or exacerbate some common poststroke problems, including disability. It is not known whether improving physical fitness after stroke reduces disability or dependency.The primary aims of the review were to determine whether physical fitness training (cardiorespiratory and/or strength) after stroke reduces death, dependence, and disability at the end of intervention or follow-up. The secondary aims were to determine the effects of fitness training on physical fitness, mobility, physical function, health status and quality of life, mood, and the incidence of adverse events. Search StrategyWe searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (last searched March 2009), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (Cochrane Library, 2007, Issue 1), MEDLINE (1966 to March …