Evidence suggests that exercise improves cognition in stroke patients. The purpose of this investigation was to assess the effects of a self-administered respiratory exercise on cognition in individuals with chronic stroke. An AB single study design was implemented over an eight-week intervention phase using a respiratory exercise five days a week. The primary outcome measure examined memory (digit span backward) as this domain is sensitive to exercise-induced changes to cognition, and memory deficits are prevalent in cognitively impaired stroke patients. Secondary outcome measures included the domains of executive functions (verbal fluency), attention (color word interference), and respiratory capacity, an aspect of respiratory function, using spirometry. Analysis of the data indicated that individuals post stroke showed improvements in working memory, attention, and problem solving after playing the didgeridoo, a self-administered exercise that was cost-effective, accessible, and motivating. There were no appreciable changes to respiratory capacity.
Keywords: attention, color word, executive dysfunction, forced vital capacity, respiratory capacity, spirometry
