“Alterations in aerobic exercise performance and gait economy following high intensity dynamic stepping training in subacute stroke”

Damn I wish SOMEONE(Like maybe our fucking failures of stroke associations) would write up these reports into stroke protocols so they can be critiqued and made better. Or is that too fucking difficult? Boo Hoo!
https://jnptacceptedarticles.wordpress.com/2016/07/22/just-accepted-alterations-in-aerobic-exercise-performance-and-gait-economy-following-high-intensity-dynamic-stepping-training-in-subacute-stroke/
The following article has just been accepted for publication in Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy:
“Alterations in aerobic exercise performance and gait economy following high intensity dynamic stepping training in subacute stroke”
By
Abigail Leddy; Mark Connolly; Carey Holleran; Patrick Hennessy; Jane Woodward; Kristan Leech; Gordhan Mahtani; Ross Arena; Elliot Roth; T. George Hornby, PT, PhD
Provisional Abstract:
Bhallmark characteristics of locomotor dysfunction in patients post-stroke. High-intensity (aerobic) training has been shown to improve peak oxygen consumption in this population, with fewer reports of changes in O2cost. However, inconsistent gains in walking function are observed, particularly in patents early post-stroke, with minimal associations with gains in metabolic parameters. The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in aerobic exercise performance in patients with subacute stroke following high-intensity, variable stepping training as compared to conventional therapy. Methods: A secondary analysis was performed from a randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing high-intensity training to conventional interventions, and a preliminary study that formed the basis for the RCT. Patients 1-6 months post-stroke received ≤40 sessions of high intensity variable stepping training (n=21) or conventional interventions (n=12). Assessments were performed at baseline (BSL), post-training and 2-3 month follow-up, and included changes in submaximal VO2 (VO2submax) and O2cost at fastest possible treadmill speeds and peak speeds at BSL testing. Results: Significant improvements were observed in VO2submax with less consistent decreases in O2cost, although individual responses varied substantially. Combined changes in both VO2submax and VO2 at matched peak BSL speeds revealed stronger correlations to improvements in walking function as compared to either measure alone. Conclusions: High-intensity stepping training may elicit significant improvements in VO2 submax, while changes in both peak capacity and economy better reflect gains in walking function. Providing such training to improve locomotor and aerobic exercise performance may increase the efficiency of rehabilitation sessions.
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