Predictors of Improved Aerobic Capacity in Individuals With Chronic Stroke Participating in Cycling Interventions.

This was a secondary analysis of two pilot randomized trials, so it was not designed to establish the effect of either cycling mode or upper-limb repetitive task practice on aerobic capacity. The supplied text does not state the total number of participants analysed or the number of dropouts. The paper describes the sample as relatively small and heterogeneous, so the findings may not apply to all persons after stroke. The intervention lasted eight weeks, and the authors state that longer aerobic training may be needed to change cardiorespiratory fitness. Free-living physical activity and motivation to be physically active were not measured. All exercise groups also received upper-limb repetitive task practice, so the separate contribution of cycling cannot be isolated. Only the voluntary cycling group showed a significant improvement in peak oxygen uptake, while no other group showed a significant improvement. Aerobic intensity was not explicitly progressed, and motivational strategies were not formally standardized.

The supplied conflicts statement says Dr. Alberts has authored intellectual property protecting the algorithm associated with the forced-exercise bicycle, and the remaining authors declare no conflicts. The article metadata lists research support from NIH and a non-U.S. government source, but the supplied text does not state whether the funders designed the study, collected data, or wrote the manuscript.

Do not conclude that forced exercise cycling is the best way to improve aerobic capacity after stroke. The voluntary cycling plus upper-limb repetitive task practice group improved peak oxygen uptake, while the forced exercise group did not show a significant improvement. Cycling and upper-limb repetitive task practice were given together, so the separate effect of either component cannot be isolated.