Introduction:
Virtual reality (VR) cycling exercise was developed as a physical rehabilitation therapy to impair the deficit on motoric function and cardiorespiratory fitness on post-stroke patients with lower extremity disorder. This study aims to figure out the effectiveness of VR cycling exercise towards the impairment of lower extremity motoric function and cardiorespiratory fitness on the post-stroke patients.

Methods:
This study engaged 15 people chosen through a purposive sampling method which were divided into 8 intervention groups of post-stroke patients without comorbid (post stroke ≥ 2 years) and 7 healthy people in a control group. Fugl Meyer assessment was used to decide the participation of the patients. To assess the lower extremity motoric functions, timed up-and-go test (TUGT) was carried out. 6-minute walking test (6-MWT) was conducted to assess the function of gaits. VO₂max was carried out to assess the cardiorespiratory fitness. VR cycling exercise had been conducted for 3 months, twice a week.

Results:
Both groups performed significant difference (p < 0.05) in terms of balance, gait ability, and cardiorespiratory fitness. The decrease of TUGT score and increase of 6-MWT and VO₂max tests’ scores of the intervention group obtained after having VR cycling exercise was significantly bigger than it was before taking the exercise. The group of post-stroke patients were able to take the exercise in 40–60 minutes/time of exercise.

Conclusions:
VR cycling exercise is such an effective intervention to increase motoric function and cardiorespiratory fitness on chronic post-stroke patients. Therefore, taking VR cycling exercise is recommended for a stroke rehabilitation and clinical practice purposes.