The smart trainer ergometer is comprised of an ergometer with foot and hand pedals, and a visual display in front of the user that can show a variety of scenic pathways. The purpose of this study is to examine changes in power output, oxygen consumption, cognitive function, and quality of life after 8 weeks of smart trainer arm ergometry exercise training among individuals with post-stroke limb impairment.
Individuals with physical disabilities show much lower rates of exercise participation than their able-bodied peers. Much of the reason for the low rates of activity among this population comes from the presence of barriers. Lack of motivation, lack of transportation, lack of accessible facilities and equipment, and cost are all factors that discourage exercise participation among those with disabilities. Based on these factors, there is a need for accessible enjoyable exercise options for people with physical disabilities. The smart trainer ergometer (also known as the Advanced Virtual Exercise Environment Device) is comprised of an ergometer with foot and hand pedals, and a visual display in front of the user that can show a variety of scenic pathways. In our previous protocol (IRB-300001384) we explored the power output curves of people post stroke compared with non-impaired individuals during one arm versus two arm cycling exercise using the smart trainer arm ergometer. The work demonstrated the potential benefit of interactive exercise for those with physical disabilities. The purpose of this study is to examine changes in power output, oxygen consumption, cognitive function, and quality of life after 8 weeks of smart trainer arm ergometry exercise training among individuals who have a stroke-based limb impairment.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
OTHER
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
1
Arm ergometer exercise training using the smart trainer.
WHARF
Homewood, Alabama, United States
Change in Oxygen Consumption from Baseline to end of Week 8
Oxygen consumption (VO2) as measured during a graded exercise test using a portable metabolic system
Time frame: 8 weeks
Stroke Severity from Baseline to end of Week 8
NIH Stroke Scale Test. Scores range from 0 to 42. A higher score indicates greater functional impairment.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Cognitive Function from Baseline to end of Week 8
Mini-Mental State Exam. Scores range from 0 to 30, scores of 26 or higher indicate normal cognitive function
Time frame: 8 weeks
Quality of Life from Baseline to end of Week 8
Stroke Impact Scale. Scores range from 0 to 100, with higher scores indicating higher quality of life.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Fatigue Severity from Baseline to end of Week 8
Fatigue Severity Scale. Scores range from 9 to 63, with higher scores indicating greater fatigue severity.
Time frame: 8 weeks
Grip Strength from Baseline to end of Week 8
Grip strength as measured using a hand dynamometer
Time frame: 8 weeks
Usability of the Smart Trainer at the end of Week 8
System Usability Scale. Scores range from 0 to 100. Scores above 68 indicate above average usability. Scores below 68 point to issues with the design that need to be researched and resolved, while scores higher than 68 indicate the need for minor improvements to the design.
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Time frame: 8 weeks
Participant feedback regarding the Smart Trainer Program at the end of Week 8
Semi-structured interview to capture participant feedback regarding the smart trainer exercise training program and ergometer.
Time frame: 8 weeks