What question did this study set out to answer?

To determine whether cardiorespiratory training after stroke reduces death and disability or improves risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, walking ability, and physical function compared to non-exercise controls.

September 17, 2026Cochrane library

Cardiorespiratory training for people with stroke

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Authors

SKSharon Kramer JCJoshua Cheyne SFSamantha Fawkner

Discussion

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Overview

Systematic review of randomized trials finds cardiorespiratory training slightly improves fitness and mobility after stroke, suggesting modest but uncertain clinical benefits.

Key Points

To determine whether cardiorespiratory training after stroke reduces death and disability or improves risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, walking ability, and physical function compared to non-exercise controls.
Systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of 53 randomized controlled trials involving 2,672 participants (mean age 61.9 years) in subacute or chronic stroke recovery phases.
Evaluated cardiorespiratory training interventions against non-exercise controls, usual care, attention controls, or waiting list controls using Cochrane RoB 1 and GRADE methodologies.
Cardiorespiratory training improved peak oxygen uptake at intervention completion (mean difference [MD] 2.37 ml/kg/min, 95% CI 1.39 to 3.36; 13 studies, 608 participants) and at follow-up (MD 2.76 ml/kg/min, 95% CI 1.36 to 4.16; 5 studies, 237 participants).
Training yielded a slight increase in comfortable walking speed (MD 0.08 m/s, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.12; 16 studies, 647 participants) and balance scores (Berg Balance Scale equivalent MD 2.09, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.07; 18 studies, 772 participants).
No measurable effects were identified for mortality or secondary vascular events at the end of training programmes or extended follow-up.

Cite This Study

Kramer et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aabb7b85f706d05830e6f30 https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd016000

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September 17, 2026Cochrane library

Cardiorespiratory training for people with stroke

View Full Paper

Ask AI

Bookmark

Authors

SKSharon Kramer JCJoshua Cheyne SFSamantha Fawkner

Discussion

Member takes

Overview

Systematic review of randomized trials finds cardiorespiratory training slightly improves fitness and mobility after stroke, suggesting modest but uncertain clinical benefits.

Key Points

To determine whether cardiorespiratory training after stroke reduces death and disability or improves risk factors, cardiorespiratory fitness, walking ability, and physical function compared to non-exercise controls.
Systematic review and random-effects meta-analysis of 53 randomized controlled trials involving 2,672 participants (mean age 61.9 years) in subacute or chronic stroke recovery phases.
Evaluated cardiorespiratory training interventions against non-exercise controls, usual care, attention controls, or waiting list controls using Cochrane RoB 1 and GRADE methodologies.
Cardiorespiratory training improved peak oxygen uptake at intervention completion (mean difference [MD] 2.37 ml/kg/min, 95% CI 1.39 to 3.36; 13 studies, 608 participants) and at follow-up (MD 2.76 ml/kg/min, 95% CI 1.36 to 4.16; 5 studies, 237 participants).
Training yielded a slight increase in comfortable walking speed (MD 0.08 m/s, 95% CI 0.04 to 0.12; 16 studies, 647 participants) and balance scores (Berg Balance Scale equivalent MD 2.09, 95% CI 1.10 to 3.07; 18 studies, 772 participants).
No measurable effects were identified for mortality or secondary vascular events at the end of training programmes or extended follow-up.

Cite This Study

Kramer et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/6aabb7b85f706d05830e6f30 https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd016000

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