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- Title
Feasibility of a 6-Month Exercise and Recreation Program to Improve Executive Functioning and Memory in Individuals With Chronic Stroke.
- Authors
Rand, Debbie; Eng, Janice J.; Liu-Ambrose, Teresa; Tawashy, Amira E.
- Abstract
Background. Physical activity is beneficial for improving cognitive function in healthy older adults. However, research results on the benefits of physical activity on cognitive performance after stroke are limited. Objective. To determine if a combined exercise and recreation program can improve the executive functioning and memory of individuals with chronic stroke. Methods. In all, 11 ambulatory participants with chronic stroke (mean age 67 ± 10.8 years) participated in a 6-month program of exercise for 2 hours and recreation for 1 hour weekly. Executive functions and memory were assessed at baseline and at 3 and 6 months by a battery of standard neuropsychological tests, including response inhibition, cognitive flexibility, dual task (motor plus cognitive), and memory. Motor ability was also assessed. Nonparametric statistics were used to obtain the differences between the 3 assessments. Results . At baseline, substantial deficits in all aspects of executive functioning were revealed. From baseline to 3 months, the mean improvement was 10% ± 14% for the dual task (Walking While Talking), -3% ± 22% (χ 2 = 2.4; P > .05) for response inhibition (Stroop Test), and 61% ± 69% for memory (Rey Auditory Verbal Learning Test—long delay). From baseline to 6 months, the mean improvement was 7% ± 7.5% for response inhibition (Stroop Test). In addition, knee strength and walking speed improved significantly at 3 months. Conclusions. This pilot study suggests that exercise and recreation may improve memory and executive functions of community-dwelling individuals with stroke. Further studies require a larger sample size and a control group.
- Subjects
BRAIN physiology; CEREBROVASCULAR disease; ANALYSIS of variance; CEREBROVASCULAR disease patients; CHI-squared test; CHRONIC diseases; COGNITION; COMPUTER software; CONFIDENCE intervals; STATISTICAL correlation; DEPRESSION in old age; DIAGNOSIS; EXERCISE; EXERCISE tests; EXERCISE therapy; GAIT in humans; LONGITUDINAL method; MARITAL status; NEUROPSYCHOLOGICAL tests; MEDICAL needs assessment; MEDICAL rehabilitation; MEMORY; PSYCHOLOGY of movement; MUSCLE contraction; MUSCLE strength; NURSING assessment; HEALTH outcome assessment; PATIENTS; PHYSICAL fitness; PSYCHOLOGICAL tests; INDUSTRIAL psychology; RECREATIONAL therapy; RESEARCH funding; STATISTICS; WALKING; PILOT projects; DATA analysis; ACTIVITIES of daily living; EDUCATIONAL attainment; TREATMENT effectiveness; PHYSICAL therapy
- Publication
Neurorehabilitation & Neural Repair, 2010, Vol 24, Issue 8, p722
- ISSN
1545-9683
- Publication type
Article
- DOI
10.1177/1545968310368684