High Frequency and Intensity Rehabilitation in 641 Subacute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Objectives To determine the effects of exergaming on quality life (QoL), motor, and clinical symptoms in subacute stroke patients. Design A pseudorandomized controlled trial, using a before-after test design. Setting University hospital. Participants Subacute, ischemic outpatients (N=3857), 680 whom were randomized 641 completed study. Interventions We determined 5 times week twice daily (EX2; 50 sessions; n=286) once (EX1; 25 n=272) low-intensity standard care (control [CON]; n=83) clinical, mobility, blood pressure (BP), QoL outcomes. Main Outcome Measures The primary outcome was Modified Rankin Scale. Secondary outcomes activities living, aspects health-related QoL, Beck Depression Inventory, 6-minute walk (6MWT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), static balance (center pressure). Results During exercise, peak heart rate 134, 126 beats per minute EX2, EX1, CON groups, respectively. mRS improved similarly EX2 (–1.8; effect size, d=–4.0) EX1 (–1.4; d=–2.6) but more than group (–0.7; d=–0.6). Barthel Index, BBS, 6MWT, standing posturography same groups. Systolic diastolic resting BP decreased groups group. intervention did not differ between men (n=349) women (n=292). Conclusions Twice compared with high-intensity or lower intensity produced superior motor symptoms, BP, male female participants.