A seated virtual exercise program to improve cardiovascular function in adults with chronic neurological impairments: a randomized controlled trial.

There was no control group that received no exercise, so the study cannot show that the program itself improved cardiovascular outcomes compared with usual activity. Only 37 participants were analysed after dropouts and heart rate monitor synchronization problems. This reduced the power to detect differences. Most participants had multiple sclerosis and were Caucasian, so results may not apply to other neurological conditions or groups. Adherence was moderate: 67% in the synchronous group and 57% in the asynchronous group. Participants and study team members could not be blinded to group allocation. Disease severity was not assessed at baseline by group, so differences in impairment could have affected outcomes. The asynchronous group had higher baseline enjoyment scores. That is a pre-existing difference in attitudes toward physical activity. The virtual format prevented individualization of exercise intensity for each participant.

The Sabrina Cohen Foundation and The Burke Foundation provided financial support. The study was conducted virtually by the researchers and the Sabrina Cohen Foundation. No other conflicts are stated in the supplied text.

Do not conclude that this program improved cardiovascular function. The primary heart rate recovery outcome showed no significant difference between groups, and there was no control group that received no exercise. The higher motivation in the synchronous group was a secondary finding and did not establish efficacy.