Pang, M. Y. C., Eng, J. J., Dawson, A. S., McKay, H. A., & Harris, J. E. (2005). A community-based fitness and mobility exercise program for older adults with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled trial. J Am Geriatr Soc, 53, 1667-1674.

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial was to see whether a comprehensive, community-based exercise program could help stroke survivors improve their balance, ability to move, and strength, therefore, resulting in more physical activity and decreasing the risk for recurrent stroke and other health problems. Sixty-three individuals participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned to an intervention group or control group. The intervention group underwent the Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) program while the control group underwent a seated upper extremity program. Both groups met for 1-hour, three times per week. Measurements included VO2max, 6-minute walk test, isometric knee extension, Berg Balance Scale, Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disabilities, and femoral neck BMD. After 19 weeks, individuals in the intervention group showed significantly more improvement in cardio-respiratory fitness, ability to move, and paretic leg strength than did those in the control group. A significant decrease in hip BMD was seen in the paretic leg of the control group, while the intervention group maintained their hip BMD throughout the study. The study showed that the FAME program may be a practical and beneficial way for improving cardio-respiratory fitness, ability to move, and paretic leg strength and maintaining hip BMD in stroke survivors and may also serve as a good model for community-based fitness programs targeting the prevention of secondary diseases in older adults living with chronic disabilities.

To read the full abstract, go to http://www.ncpad.org/551/2490/A~community-based~fitness~and~mobility~exercise~program~for~older~
adults~ with~chronic~stroke~~A~randomized~controlled~trial.