PURPOSE: We attempted to investigate changes in motor function and c-reactive protein level according to amounts (length of time) of exercise in patients with cerebral infarct. METHOD: Forty-six consecutive chronic hemiparetic patients with cerebral infarct were randomly assigned to two groups: group 1 (exercise time 100 minutes/day) and group 2 (exercise time 200 minutes/day). Types of exercise included static bicycle, isokinetic exercise, and standing or gait exercise on a treadmill. We also evaluated motor recovery using the Fugl-Meyer Scale (FMS) and the Modified Motor Assessment Scale (MMAS). Assessment of CRP levels and motor recovery were performed 3 times for 12 weeks at pre-treatment, 8 weeks and 12 weeks. RESULTS: The CRP level was decreased at post-treatment compared with pretreatment; however, there were no significant differences. The FMS in both groups showed improvement at post-treatment compared with pre-treatment; however, there were no significant differences. The MMAS in both groups showed improvement at post-treatment compared with pre-treatment; however, there were no significant differences. CONCLUSION: The exercise program improved the motor function and decreased the elevated CRP levels in chronic patients with cerebral infarct. Also, an increase in the duration of the exercise was correlated with decrease in the CRP level and increase in motor recovery.

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