Aerobic locomotor exercise modulates brain activation patterns in chronic stroke survivors

In chronically disabled stroke survivors specific rehabilitation therapy can improve motor function and is associated with changes in cortical activation as determined by functional magnetic resonance imaging (Luft et al. JAMA 2004, 292:1853, Schaechter et al. Prog Neurobiol 2004, 73:61). Most rehabilitation therapies target the upper extremity and encourage repeated use of the paretic limb. Locomotor disability – the major burden for chronic stroke survivors in daily live – is more difficult to rehabilitate. We developed a rehabilitation program based on aerobic treadmill exercise training (AEX) for 6 months th…