In 2000, study led by J.H. Rimmer, et. al., the effects of a 12-week exercise training program on a predominantly African-American group of stroke survivors with multiple comorbidities were investigated. The primary aim was to assess the program’s influence on various health parameters, shedding light on the potential benefits for this specific population.

Utilizing a lag-control group design, the study enrolled a total of 35 participants, ensuring comprehensive training for all. The participants engaged in a 12-week exercise regimen, involving three sessions per week, each lasting 60 minutes. The sessions comprised cardiovascular exercises (30 minutes), strength training (20 minutes), and flexibility exercises (10 minutes). Various outcome measures were employed, including peak VO2, maximal workload, time to exhaustion, strength levels, grip strength, body weight, total skinfolds, waist-to-hip ratio, and flexibility in specific muscle groups.

The exercise group exhibited noteworthy improvements compared to the control group. Significant enhancements were observed in peak VO2 (P < 0.01), strength (P < 0.01), hamstring/low back flexibility (P < 0.01), and body composition, including body weight and BMI (P < 0.05), as well as total skinfolds (P < 0.01). However, no significant differences were noted between the exercise and control groups in waist-to-hip ratio, shoulder flexibility, and grip strength.

This study underscores the effectiveness of a supervised 12-week exercise training program for stroke survivors with multiple comorbidities, emphasizing the positive impact on overall fitness. The findings suggest a potential reduction in the risk of further disease and disability among this population. Importantly, the results highlight the need for increased efforts within the public health community to enhance accessibility to community-based physical activity programs for individuals recovering from strokes. Implementing such programs could significantly contribute to the well-being of stroke survivors and aid in preventing future health complications.

Reference: Rimmer, J. H., Riley, B., Creviston, T. O. D. D., & Nicola, T. (2000). Exercise training in a predominantly African-American group of stroke survivors. Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, 32(12), 1990-1996.