Effects of different exercise protocols on aerobic capacity, blood pressure, biochemical parameters, and body weight in chronic stroke survivors: a randomized controlled trial.

Objective: To explore the impact on risk factors for recurrent stroke after gait training among persons restricted in walking in the chronic phase after stroke.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trial, two groups performed gait training, 1 session/day, 3 days/week for 6 weeks, including electromechanically assisted gait training on a treadmill (EAGT) (n=12) or variable conventional gait training only (n=15); a control group (n=11) continued as usual. Endurance assessed with the 6-minute walk test, blood pressure, weight and blood samples were collected at baseline and after 6 weeks.