Author and graduation date: Tara M. STANTZ, November, 2001

Committee members: Mark Kern (Chair), James Yaggie, Judy Price

Thesis title: The Blood Lipid Profile of Exercising vs. Sedentary Male and Female Stroke Survivors

Stroke survivors are at increased risk for subsequent morbidity and mortality due to recurrent stroke. Physical activity is a modifiable behavior that has been shown in the literature to reduce stroke risk in men and women. Exercise may in part exert its beneficial influence by favorably altering serum lipid concentrations, an atherosclerotic risk factor for stroke. To our knowledge, no studies have investigated the impact of exercise on serum lipids in the post stroke population. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of exercise on the blood lipid profile of male and female stroke survivors. Our hypothesis was that stroke survivors participating in a fitness program would have a more beneficial blood lipid profile than those not participating in a fitness program. Seventeen participants (12 exercisers and 5 non-exercisers) with physician diagnosed ischemic stroke were recruited for the study. Serum lipid analysis included total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, triglycerides, apolipoprotein A-I, and apolipoprotein B. Weight, body composition (via bioelectrical impedance), blood pressure, strength testing (via grip dynamometer), dietary intake (via 3-day food record), and daily energy expenditure (via physical activity questionnaire) were also analyzed. Comparisons of variables were performed using one-way ANOVA with statistical significance determined at p < 0.05. Blood lipids and lipoproteins were not statistically different for the exercisers as compared to the controls. Additionally, no significant differences were noted between groups for weight. body composition, blood pressure, strength testing, dietary intake, and daily energy expenditure. In conclusion, participating in a fitness program was not associated with a more beneficial blood lipid profile in stroke survivors. Given the limitations of this study, additional studies are needed to further examine the effects of exercise in this population.

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