Chronic Stroke
Research reinforces the efficacy of exercise training in stroke rehabilitation, particularly in enhancing recovery. Studies indicate that incorporating low-impact, total-body cardiovascular exercise facilitated by recumbent cross trainers may significantly aid in improving mobility and functional independence post-stroke.
Please see below for links to studies that utilized NuStep recumbent cross trainers as an exercise modality for participants post stroke in both inpatient and outpatient settings.
Studies and summaries:
American Journal of Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation | 2019
Research Summary
This study evaluated the implementation, safety and outcomes of the Stroke Recovery Program (SRP) at JFK Johnson Rehabilitation. The program was modified for stroke survivors from the established cardiac rehabilitation protocol. As many stroke survivors are hemiplegic or have other physical limitations, NuStep recumbent cross trainers were used as the modality for the 36 exercise sessions.
This study showed that the SRP with integrated cardiac rehabilitation was safe and well-received. It also showed an increase in cardiovascular and functional performance and a decrease in all-cause mortality.
Authors
Cuccurullo, Sara J. MD; Fleming, Talya K. MD; Kostis, William J. MD, PhD; Greiss, Christine DO; Gizzi, Martin S. MD, PhD; Eckert, Anne AuD, MBA, CCC/A; Ray, Arlen Razon PT; Scarpati, Rosann RN; Cosgrove, Nora M. RN, CCRC; Beavers, Traymon BS; Cabrera, Javier PhD; Sargsyan, Davit MS; Kostis, John B. MD, D. Phil
Public Library of Science | 2017
Research Summary
This study was conducted to determine the reliability of the exercise response (predicted peak VO2) using the total body recumbent stepper (TBRS) submaximal exercise test in healthy adults and adults participating in inpatient stroke rehabilitation. The NuStep T5XR was used for this study.
These results suggest that the exercise response is reliable for the TBRS submaximal exercise test for both groups.
Authors
David R. Wilson, Anna E. Mattlage, Nicole M. Seier, Jonathan D. Todd, Brian G. Price, Sarah J. Kwapiszeski, Rakesh Vardey, Sandra A. Billinger
Physical Therapy | 2014
Research Summary
This study evaluated the feasibility of a model of care that integrated aerobic training in an inpatient rehabilitation setting for patients in the subacute stage of stroke recovery. It concluded that an individualized exercise program within a group delivery model was feasible. NuStep recumbent cross trainers were used as part of the supervised exercise program.
Authors
Biasin L, Sage MD, Bruntion K, Fraser J, Howe J, Bayley M, Brooks D, McIlroy WE, Mansfield A, Inness EL
Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy | 2012
Research Summary
Individuals in the subacute stage of stroke participated in an 8-week moderate-high exercise training intervention using a recumbent stepper. After the intervention improvements were reported in brachial artery vasomotor reactivity and cardiovascular and physical performance. NuStep recumbent cross trainers were used during the study.
Authors
Billinger SA, Mattlage AE, Ashenden AL, Lentz AA, Harter G, Rippee MA.
Stroke | 2010
Research Summary
The purpose of this study was to identify the contributing factors of exertion fatigue and chronic fatigue in people post stroke.
The study found that exertion fatigue and chronic fatigue are 2 distinct constructs as shown by each having its own unique contributing factor and a lack of relationship between constructs.
Authors
Benjamin Y. Tseng, PhD; Sandra A. Billinger, PT, PhD; Byron J. Gajewski, PhD; Patricia M. Kluding, PT, PhD
Clinical Rehabillitation | 2008
Research Summary
The purpose of the study was to determine the efficacy of a bilateral reciprocal training regimen on leg impairment and dynamic balance in post stroke patients.
Results indicate that post stroke patients with leg weakness showed impairment reductions and improved balance after using the NuStep recumbent cross trainer.
Authors
Page SJ, Levine P, Teepen J, Hartman EC.
Physical Therapy | 2008
Research Summary
The purpose of this study was to quantitatively assess the validity and feasibility of a modified exercise test using a total-body recumbent stepper (MTBRS-XT) in individuals after stroke.
The mTBRS-XT may be a safe, feasible, and valid exercise test to obtain measurements of V̇o2peak in people with stroke. Healthcare professionals may use the mTBRS-XT to prescribe aerobic exercise based on Vo2 peak values for individuals with mild to severe deficits after stroke.
Authors
Sandra A Billinger, Benjamin Y Tseng, Patricia M Kluding