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To investigate the feasibility, safety, and effects of dual task (DT) in a mixed physical exercise protocol on mobility under DT in stroke survivors. Twenty-six chronic mild-impaired stroke survivors (age 51.57 ± 12.55; men= 13, women= 13) were randomly assigned into Experimental Group participating in a 15-week mixed (aerobic and resistance exercises performing a cognitive DT condition simultaneously) physical exercise protocol (30 sessions, 2x/week, duration of 60–90 min), and Control Group engaged in the same protocol without DT. Feasibility and outcome measures were assessed before and after the intervention and in a 5-week follow-up. DT physical exercise protocol was viable and safe. This protocol also improved mobility and gait when performed under DT, which was not found in the control group. DT does not influence aerobic resistance, strength, and balance responsiveness. It does not present any improvement in cognition, self-efficacy for falls, and quality of life. The results indicate that mixed physical exercise under DT is feasible and safe for mild-impaired stroke survivors. Stroke survivors demonstrate more significant improvement in the mobility performance under DT when submitted to a DT mixed physical exercise protocol than the standard physical exercise intervention. Brazilian clinical trials registry (RBR-4mvzz6); WHO trial record (U1111-1198-7173) DT training can be prescribed by using clear and precise parameters for stroke survivors. Physical Exercise without DT requirements did not improve mobility performing and cognitive tasks simultaneously in stroke survivors. Clinicians are encouraged to incorporate DT requirements into the exercise routines to enhance mobility under DT to mild-moderate stroke survivors. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To compare the effects of two different intensities of combined resistance and aerobic training on physical-functional aspects and perceptual aspects of health status in patients with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). This was a randomized parallel group trial. Thirty-one patients were assessed regarding: symptoms (COPD Assessment Test – CAT), quality of life (Saint George's Respiratory Questionnaire – SGRQ); exercise capacity (six-minute walk test and constant-workload resistance test – CWRT); and muscle strength (one-repetition maximum test and isometric muscle strength for knee extensors – Kext and elbow flexors – EFlex). Patients were randomized in two groups to perform a combined training: 1) LL/HR = Low-load/high-repetition resistance training (n = 16; 68 ± 9.3 years; FEV1 = 50.0 ± 15.7%pred); and 2) HL/LR = High-load/low-repetition resistance training (n = 15; 70 ± 6.5 years; FEV1 = 46.8 ± 14.5%pred), and underwent 36 sessions. Symptoms, quality of life and exercise capacity presented significant improvement (p <.05) in both groups. Both intensities of resistance training improved symptoms (∆CAT: LL/HR = −3.9; HL/LR = −2.8) and exercise capacity (∆ tolerance time in CWRT: LL/HR = +450.9s; HL/LR = +583.4s) above minimal clinically important difference value. Nevertheless, improvement in quality of life (∆SGRQ: LL/HR = −3.8; HL/LR = −10) and in isometric muscle strength (∆KExt: LL/HR = +15.8 N; HL/LR = +37.7 N and (∆EFlex: LL/HR = +9.5 N; HL/LR = +29.9 N) was observed only in the HL/LR group, which also presented a larger number of responders considering isometric muscle strength. High-intensity resistance training in a combined training was more effective in ameliorating several aspects of patients with COPD, responding more and better to physical-functional aspects and perceptual aspects of health status. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]