Submaximal Graded Aerobic Exercise
The aerobic exercise was done on a stationary bike to reduce exposure of
cervical compression and impact forces, minimizing symptom exacerbation
due to something other than the exercise itself. During the initial
session, cases were instructed to reach a baseline heart rate (HR) above
100 BPM if possible, while being monitored for any increase in symptoms
which would terminate the test. In each of the following sessions cases
then attempted to increase their HR by 10 BPM, on the condition that
symptoms were not aggravated. HR thresholds were noted during the first
and last session. The intervention consisted of 8 individual
consultations distributed twice a week over 4 weeks, with the exercise
lasting 15 minutes each session.