Effect of Aerobic and Resistance Exercise Training on Balance, Strength, Functional Capacity, and Pulmonary Function in Post-Stroke Patients: A Systematic Review

Background: Stroke has become the second leading cause of death worldwide, accounting for over 10% of total deaths as per a report published by the American Health As-sociation. Motor and cognitive impairments have been known to be associated with stroke survi-vors, with reports of up to 75% of post-stroke patients suffering from debilitating disabilities that prevent them from living independently. Motor disability is often attributed to muscle weakness, thereby affecting their gait and balance. So, the present systematic review aimed to evaluate the evidence on the effects of aerobic and resistance exercises improving balance, functional capacity, and pulmonary function among post-stroke patients. 

Methodology: A systematic review was conducted and registered with OSF registry (https://doi. org/10.17605/OSF.IO/DWVUF). This systematic review was conducted based on the following PRISMA guidelines. A comprehensive search strategy identifying effect of aerobic and resistance exercise training on post-stroke patients was developed using electronic databases such as PubMed, Medline, Scopus, Embase, and Cochrane Central between the years January 2000 to June 2022. Randomized controlled trials and systematic reviews are the study designs that were included in the present review. Methodological quality assessment was done using mixed methods appraisal (MMAT) tool. Data on characteristics of intervention and outcome measures were extracted. 

Results: The search yielded 944 articles, and after the application of the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 11 studies were considered for the final analysis. The mixed methods appraisal tool was used to appraise the quality of the studies included. Data extracted from each study included the first author’s name, year of publication, study design, and outcome measures wherever appli-cable. Balance, muscle strength, pulmonary function, and functional capacity were the outcomes included. 

Conclusion: Great strides have been made in terms of progress for management options for stroke-induced physical limitations, and a growing number of studies have linked exercise to im-proved physical activity in post-stroke patients. However, further studies and evidence are needed to determine the long-lasting impacts of aerobic and resistance exercises on balance, muscle strength, pulmonary function, and functional capacity.