Abstract
Objective
Ergometer training is routinely used in stroke rehabilitation. Through this meta-analysis,
we sought to discover the strength of evidence of its effects.
Data Source
The PubMed database and PEDro database were reviewed prior to January 22, 2019.
Study Selection
Randomized controlled trials investigating the effects of ergometer training on stroke
recovery were selected.
Data Extraction
Two reviewers independently selected the studies, performed independent data extraction,
and assessed the risk of bias.
Data Synthesis
A total of 28 studies (including 1115 subjects with stroke) were included. The data
indicates that (1) ergometer training leads to a significant improvement in walking
ability, cardiorespiratory fitness, motor function, muscular force of the lower limbs,
balance and postural control, spasticity, cognitive abilities, and the brain’s resistance
to damage and degeneration; (2) neuromuscular functional electrical stimulation–assisted
ergometer training is more efficient than ergometer training alone; (3) high-intensity
ergometer training is more efficient that low-intensity ergometer training; and (4)
ergometer training is more efficient than other therapies in supporting cardiorespiratory
fitness, independence in activities of daily living, and balance and postural control,
but less efficient in improving walking ability.
Conclusions
Ergometer training can support motor recovery after stroke. However, current data
is insufficient for evidence-based rehabilitation. More data is required about the
effects of ergometer training on cognitive abilities, emotional status, and quality
of life in subjects with a history of stroke.
Keywords
List of abbreviations:
CI (confidence interval), FES (functional electrical stimulation)To read this article in full you will need to make a payment
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: November 02, 2019
Footnotes
Disclosures: none.
Identification
Copyright
© 2019 by the American Congress of Rehabilitation Medicine
