The effects of cycle ergometer on walking ability and ADL in hemiplegia patients after stroke

Objective:To investigate the effects of cycle ergometer on walking ability in hemiplegia patients after sub-acute stroke.Method:Ninety-two hemiplegic patients after stroke for 1 to 3 months with a certain walking ability were randomly divided into two groups as treatment group and control group,each 46 cases.The patients of both group were treated with routine rehabilitation training,cycle ergometer training was used additionally for the patients in treatment group.All patients were assessed with simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment(FMA),Berg balance scale(BBS),and assessment on ambulation capacity(walking time for 10m and walking distance in 6min and Holden' s functional ambulance classification),changes of spasticity and the ability of activities in daily living(ADL),at the time of beginning and 6 weeks later.Result:The motor function of lower extremity,balance performance,and ADL in two groups improved(P0.05) after 6 weeks' treatment,in treatment group those were better than in control group(P 0.05).The walking capability,stability and safety in both groups improved obviously.The scores of BBS,FMA and ADL in treatment group after rehabilitation training were superior to that in control group(P 0.05).Conclusion:The application of cycle ergometer combined with routine rehabilitation training improved the motor function of lower extremity,balance performance,walking ability and activities of daily living distinctly for patients after stroke.