Introduction: An increasing number of training programs are proposed for the rehabilitation of patients after stroke, with positive results published but without formal validation, and without recommendations regarding indications for specific techniques and procedures.
Objective: To review data from the literature about training and exercise programs for stroke patients and to describe the efficacy, limitations, and effect of such programs on organ systems.
Methods: A search of MedLINE and relevant medical journals for articles of clinical trials, meta-analyses, and literature reviews pertaining to physical training and exercise programs after stroke.
Results: We found 58 articles reporting on various training and exercise techniques (walking, cardiovascular training, muscle strengthening, and others) and their results (on the cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, and neurologic systems, as well as functional status) in hemiplegic stroke patients.
Discussion-conclusion: Training and exercise programs have value in stroke rehabilitation, and published results are, in general, promising. However, differences in the populations tested, methods, and criteria for analysis do not allow for recommending specific procedures.