Effects of stationary cycling exercise on the balance and gait abilities of chronic stroke patients

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of stationary cycling exercise on the balance and gait abilities of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects] Thirty-two chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to an experimental group (n=16) or a control group (n=16). [Methods] All of the subjects received the standard rehabilitation program for 30 minutes, while the experimental group additionally participated in a daily session of stationary cycling exercise for 30 minutes, 5 times per week for 6 weeks. To assess balance function, the Berg Balance Scale and timed up-and-go test were used. The 10-m walking test was conducted to assess gait function. [Results] Both groups showed significant improvements in balance and gait abilities. The improvements in the Berg Balance Scale and timed up-and-go test scores (balance), and 10-m walking test score (gait) in the stationary cycling exercise group were significantly greater than those in the control group. [Conclusion] This study demonstrated that stationary cycling exercise training is an effective intervention for increasing the balance and gait abilities of chronic stroke patients. Therefore, we suggest that stationary cycling training is suitable for stroke rehabilitation and may be used in clinical practice.