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Volume 7, Issue 5

J Nov Physiother, an open access journal

ISSN: 2165-7025

Novel Physio 2017

August 21-22, 2017

International Conference and Expo on

August 21-22, 2017 | Birmingham, UK

Novel Physiotherapies

J Nov Physiother 2017, 7:5(Suppl)

DOI: 10.4172/2165-7025-C1-018

Effect of aquatic-treadmill training on cerebrovascular function and gait in community-dwelling

stroke survivors: A pilot study

K Thomas, C Burley, R Wright, J Ramsay

and

S Lucas

University of Birmingham, UK

xercise-induced increases in brain blood flow, is a key mechanistic pathway for improved brain function. Water-based

exercise augments this response so may target this mediator of improved brain health, in stroke survivors. Aquatic treadmill

exercise has shown to improve gait re-education post stroke; however, no research has assessed cerebrovascular function. Aim

of this study was to examine the effect of a four-week aquatic treadmill (ATM) intervention on cerebrovascular responsiveness

and gait function in community-dwelling stroke survivors. Six community-dwelling stroke survivors (58±11 years) were

recruited, with chronic stroke (>6 months). Participants completed a four-week ATM intervention of thirty minutes duration,

three times per week. Pre-and post intervention measures were taken of cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), as indexed from

change in middle cerebral artery blood flow velocity (MCAv) to a hypercapnic (5% CO2 in air) stimulus, and gait speed and

distance outcome measures using 6-minute walk, Timed-Up-And-Go and 10-metre walk tests. Paired t-tests and ANOVA

statistical models compared outcome measures between pre-and post-intervention measures. MCAv-CO2 responsiveness

(CVR) increased, showing a trend, although this did not reach statistical significance (p=0.079). MCAv-CO2 responsiveness

increased by 40% in the affected hemisphere and 64.6% in the unaffected hemisphere. Within-group gait improvements were

seen in speed and distance, although not uniformly evident. This study established ATM training as a feasible option in stroke

rehabilitation, also demonstrating possible gait improvements leading to more efficient community ambulation and better

quality of life.