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Acute Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Cognitive Functions in Patients with Chronic Stroke

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Aerobic Exercise
Chronic Stroke
Cognitive Function
Registration Number
NCT06596720
Lead Sponsor
Emre BASKAN
Brief Summary

The aim of this observational study is to investigate the acute effects of aerobic exercise on cognitive functions in patients with chronic stroke. The primary question addressed is:

Does aerobic exercise have an impact on cognitive functions in individuals with chronic stroke? Participants with chronic stroke were divided into two groups: those engaging in aerobic exercise and a control group. Both groups underwent cognitive function assessments at intervals of thirty minutes.

Detailed Description

WORKPLACE The study was conducted at the Department of Neurological Rehabilitation, Faculty of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation, Pamukkale University.

PARTICIPANTS The study included 38 stroke patients admitted to Pamukkale University Hospital, aged between 25 and 80, who had a diagnosed cardiopulmonary disease or additional neurological disorders, and did not have defined psychological issues. Individuals with visual or auditory impairments were excluded from the study. Participants were informed about the study, provided with a voluntary information form to read, and written consent was obtained.

In this study, a bicycle ergometer was used considering the safety and individual capabilities of the participants. The protocol consisted of a 5-minute warm-up, 20 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise, and a 5-minute cool-down period. While most studies aim for high-intensity exercise (60-80%), this study focused on a single-session exercise training model; hence, the exercise program for the study group was set at a moderate intensity (40-50%). Participants in the study group wore a pulse oximeter and were instructed to exercise within the specified heart rate ranges. Neuropsychological tests were administered before and after the bicycle ergometer sessions. The control group underwent neuropsychological tests at thirty-minute intervals without using the bicycle ergometer.

REGISTRATION FORM The registration form collected information on demographic data, including the date of stroke onset, medical history, family history, smoking and alcohol use, dominant and affected extremities, and current comorbidities.

ASSESSMENT Participants were randomly assigned to the study or control group using a closed-envelope method. All assessments were conducted in a well-lit and quiet room. Cognitive levels were measured using the Standardized Mini-Mental State Test (SMMT). In the study group, blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation were measured. Subsequently, the Stroop Test T-BAG Form, Letter Cancellation Test, and Wechsler Digit Span Test were administered. After the tests, a thirty-minute submaximal bicycle ergometer session, including a 5-minute warm-up and a 5-minute cool-down period, was conducted. Blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation were measured again, and the tests were repeated. In the control group, blood pressure, pulse, and oxygen saturation were measured before administering the Stroop Test, Letter Cancellation Test, and Wechsler Digit Span Test. To avoid learning effects in the neuropsychological test battery, participants in the control group waited for approximately thirty minutes before repeating cognitive tests, and results were recorded.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
32
Inclusion Criteria
  • Having experienced an ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke
  • Having been diagnosed with a stroke at least six months prior
  • Having not experienced multiple stroke episodes
  • Having no communication difficulties
  • Being literate
Exclusion Criteria
  • Having hearing loss
  • Receiving additional treatment beyond rehabilitation
  • Using a pacemaker
  • Presence of cardio-pulmonary disease
  • Having experienced a recent trauma
  • Having additional neurological disorders aside from stroke
  • Having a psychological disorder
  • Having a pre-existing condition that affects cognitive level

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
Stroop tests10 minutes

This test is a brief measure of selective or focused attention, specifically assessing the ability to shift from one perceptual state to another and suppress response tendencies.

Wechsler Forward Digit Span, Wechsler Backward Digit Span10 minutes

This test is used to assess attention and short-term memory.

CancellationTest5 minutes

This test measures sustained attention, visual scanning, reaction time, and response impulsivity.

Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Pamukkale University

🇹🇷

Denizli, Turkey

Pamukkale University
🇹🇷Denizli, Turkey
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