The Effect of Additional of Aerobic Exercise to Functional Therapy on Resting Heart Rate in Patients with Chronic Phase Post Stroke

Introduction: Regular aerobic exercise has a direct effect on resting heart rate, both acute and chronic effects. One of the chronic effects decrease resting heart rate which is beneficial for heart health. The objective of this study was to prove the effect of adding aerobic exercise to functional therapy on resting heart in post-stroke patients with chronic phase. Methods: The study used a randomized controlled trial with pre and post-test control group design. The treatment group (n = 10) received additional aerobic exercise and the control group only received functional therapy (n = 10). Assessment of resting heart rate measurements was carried out before and after exercise. Results: There was a significant difference (p=<0.001) in the mean resting heart rate in the treatment group before intervention 89.00 ± 9.13 and after intervention 76.10 ± 10.16. There was a significant difference (p=0.017) in the mean resting heart rate in the control group before intervention 88.60 ± 7.75 and after intervention 84.40 ± 6.98. There was a significant difference in the resting heart rate delta value between the treatment group (-12.90 ± 6.56) compared to the control group (-4.20 ± 4.37). Discussion: The value of resting heart rate pre and post-test in the treatment group showed a more significant difference than the control group. Aerobic exercise can inhibit the activation of the sympathetic nervous system and increase the activation of the parasympathetic nervous system due to the effects of cardiovascular adaptation Conclusion: The intervention of adding aerobic exercise can reduce resting heart rate in post-stroke patients with chronic phase. Keywords: Aerobic exercise, functional therapy