OBJECTIVE: To summarize current evidence on the effects of physical fitness training focused on improving locomotor function in patients after a cerebrovascular accident (CVA). METHOD: The Medline, CINAHL, Cochrane, and PEDro databases were searched, as were reference lists of the retrieved publications, for randomized controlled trials and controlled clinical trials (published between January 1995 and April 2006) on physical fitness training in patients with stroke. A best-evidence synthesis was performed, using significant results for outcome or process measures. MAIN RESULTS: Five studies on strength training were retrieved, two studies on cardiorespiratory training, six studies on task-related cardiorespiratory training, three studies on physical fitness training, and four studies on task-related physical fitness training. Both strength and cardiorespiratory training had positive effects on physical fitness. Task-related physical fitness training improved locomotor function. CONCLUSION: Task-related physical fitness training appears to be more effective in improving the physical fitness and locomotor function of patients with hemiplegia following stroke. Muscle strength and aerobic capacity can be improved by physical fitness training.

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