Effect of Endurance Training on Long-Term Stroke Survivors

Abstract

Background: Stroke is one of the leading causes of dependency and mortality in India. Chronic stroke is defined as 6 months to years from the time of onset. Structural impairment which occurs in stroke lead to the complex nature of functional limitations. High blood pressure, diabetes mellitus, blood vessel diseases, and obesity are a few risk factors that can cause stroke. Once the patient goes into the chronic phase, a wide range of problems in functional mobility, gait, and Quality of Life may occur. Majority of times the patient survives their remaining life with these disabilities. The survival rate decreases with an increase in time. Only 1% survive 20 years after stroke. Physiotherapy has shown a positive effect on functional outcomes in acute stroke. Its efficacy should be tried on chronic survivors. Method: 36 subjects were included as per the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The treatment protocol was given for 42 days. Pre and post-changes in subjects were analyzed on a modified Barthel index and stroke-specific Quality of Life scale. Result: Data was analyzed using the student’s t-test. Findings showed significant change in outcome measures interns of mobility and quality. Conclusion: Endurance training improves functional mobility and standard of living in chronic stroke survivors.