Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effects of high versus low-intensity exercise on
cognitive function following stroke. DESIGN: Secondary analysis from a randomized
controlled trial with blinded assessors. SUBJECTS:
50-80 years old, living in the
community, > 1 year post-stroke. METHODS: Participants were randomized into a
high-intensity Aerobic Exercise or low-intensity non-aerobic Balance/Flexibility
program. Both programs were 6 months long, with 3 60-min sessions/week. Verbal
item and working memory, selective attention and conflict resolution, set
shifting were assessed before and after the program. RESULTS: Forty-seven
participants completed the study (22/25 in Aerobic Exercise group, 25/25 in
Balance/Flexibility group). There was an improvement in verbal item memory in
both groups (time effect p = 0.04), and no between-group differences in
improvement in the other outcomes (p > 0.27). There was no association between
pre-exercise cognitive function and post-exercise improvement. CONCLUSIONS: In
contrast to a small body of previous research suggesting positive benefits of
exercise on cognition post-stroke, the current study found that 6 months of high
or low intensity exercise was not effective in improving cognitive function,
specifically executive functions. Further research in this area is warranted to
establish the effectiveness of post-stroke exercise programs on cognition, and examine the mechanisms that underlie these changes.

Langue : ANGLAIS