Is there influence of the load addition during treadmill training on cardiovascular parameters and gait performance in patients with stroke? A randomized clinical trial

BACKGROUND: Although exercises involving both lower limbs are indicated for aerobic training, stroke patients have shown expressive asymmetry between the paretic and non-paretic lower limb (NPLL). Performing activities that stimulate the paretic limb during aerobic exercise may optimize training results. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate if there is influence of load addition on NPLL during treadmill training on cardiovascular parameters and gait performance of subacute stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty-eight stroke subjects with gait deficits were randomized into experimental group, which underwent treadmill training with a mass attached on NPLL, and control group, which underwent only treadmill training. Interventions lasted 2 weeks (9 sessions). Main outcomes were heart rate, arterial blood pressure, gait speed and distance covered. Assessments occurred at rest, 10th and 20th minutes of the session and immediately after each session. RESULTS: There was improvement in speed and walking distance in both groups. All cardiovascular parameters had showed no changes compared to 1st and 9th sessions and there were no differences between groups within each session. CONCLUSIONS: Load addition on NPLL did not alter cardiovascular parameters and gait training provide better gait performance of subacute stroke patients, which indicates this therapy can be considered useful and safe for these patients.