Today 9.2 million veterans are age 65 and older, and by the turn of the century that number is expected to peak at 9.3 million, representing 38.2 percent of the total veteran population. Three times a week for one to three months, subjects use a bicycle designed for a recumbent, or reclining position. Results to date show improved knee muscle strength in both legs.
Most subjects also have greater walking speed and improved stability on one leg.
These data suggest that as subjects improve in muscle strength, there is greater ability to walk faster and to bear weight on the leg affected by the stroke. Results indicate that the recumbent bicycle is a safe and inexpensive tool to improve or maintain muscle strength necessary for walking in patients who have had strokes. Previous research has shown that tongue strength decreases with age and appears to be associated with diminished tongue muscle mass, slower swallowing, and higher incidence of choking on liquids. A new exercise program to strengthen tongue muscle has increased strength and speed of swallowing and has eliminated choking in the small number of elderly people who have participated to date. Future work will continue efforts to prevent swallowing problems in older people.