Effects of lower limb reciprocal pedalling exercise on motor function after stroke: a systematic review of randomized and nonrandomized studies.

This review systematically synthesized current evidence on the effects of lower limb reciprocal pedalling exercise on motor function poststroke. Detailed analysis of single studies in the review revealed multiple instances of heterogeneity including outcome measures; therefore we decided to avoid undertaking a single, potentially misleading meta-analysis. We found that despite beneficial (although nondefinitive) effects on balance, functional independence, and muscle strength, it is not possible to make clinical recommendations that support or refute the use of reciprocal pedalling exercise to enhance recovery of motor function after stroke.

Recovery of submaximal upper limb force production is correlated with better arm position control and motor impairment early after a stroke.

Objective: This study determined whether recovery of upper limb position control using submaximal force production correlates with an improvement in functional arm impairment during early recovery from stroke.

Methods: Ten consecutive inpatients were recruited from a stroke unit. Each patient was in early recovery (<8 weeks post-lesion) from their first ever stroke.