'University of Sarajevo Faculty of Health Sciences'
Abstract
The primary aim of this thesis is to examine the effect of exercise training and physical capacity on function and quality of life in people with spinal cord injury (SCI) and stroke participating in a community-based exercise program. To achieve this aim, this thesis includes a systematic review on SCI and a systematic review on stroke. Based on a combination of aerobic and muscle strength training we defined the criteria for both systematic reviews to analyse the effectiveness of this type of intervention in improving aerobic fitness, muscle strength, physical activity levels, function and quality of life in people with SCI and in people following stroke. Results from the systematic review on SCI provide initial evidence of significant improvements in muscle strength with this type of intervention and also that the ideal dose for muscle strength training would be 50 to 80% 1RM with progression applied. The systematic review on stroke revealed that this type of intervention was effective in improving muscle strength, but only when the training was specific to target muscle groups. Two cross-sectional studies were conducted for people with SCI and people with stroke examining the relationship between exercise training and physical capacity on function and quality of life. Muscle strength seemed to be an important determinant of functional outcomes in both people with SCI and people with stroke. As far as aerobic fitness, physical activity level and its relationship with functional outcomes, further research is needed for conclusions in both SCI and stroke. Finally, influence of functional outcomes on quality of life needs further research to allow any conclusions
