Objective:

To conduct a systematic review and network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) assessing the effects of different aerobic exercise modalities on cardiopulmonary fitness and functional recovery outcomes in chronic stroke patients.

Approach:

• Statistical Analysis: A consistency-based random-effects model was used, with sensitivity analysis performed by sequentially excluding each study and re-estimating effect sizes.

Key Findings:

• HIIT and MICT showed significant effects on VO2peak, 6MWT, and 10MWT.
• No statistically significant differences were found for BBS or TUG among most interventions.
• Evidence certainty was predominantly low to very low across comparisons, particularly for BBS and TUG.

Interpretation:

HIIT and MICT may improve cardiorespiratory fitness and walking performance after chronic stroke; however, the certainty of evidence is largely low or very low.

Limitations:

• Limited confidence in comparative effects due to low evidence certainty.
• Inconclusive effects on balance and TUG outcomes.

Conclusion:

Results should be interpreted with caution due to low evidence certainty.

Sources:

• Systematic Review Registration