Feasibility of a task-oriented training and muscle-strengthening programme to weight-bearing symmetry after stroke
Sammanfattning
Aims: This study proposed an exercise programme including strengthening and task-oriented training
focussing on weight-bearing symmetry and examined its feasibility and safety for chronic stroke
patients. Additionally, gait, balance and health status were assessed after the exercise programme
implementation.
Methodology: Fourteen individuals participated in this pre-test/post-test design study. The exercise
programme was performed in two sessions/week, during 10 weeks. In each session, adverse events
were computed and feasibility was assessed by attendance and the capacity to accomplish the exercises.
Posturography and secondary outcomes were assessed before and after the programme: gait
kinematics; Fugl-Meyer scale; Berg Balance Scale; Dynamic Gait Index and Stroke Impact Scale.
Findings: The results showed a satisfactory adherence without adverse events. There were pre- to
post-test statistical differences related to weight-bearing symmetry and to all secondary outcomes.
Conclusions: The results suggest that the proposed programme may be a feasible and safe intervention
to improve weight-bearing symmetry in post stroke individuals. Benefits were also found for gait,
balance and health status measures. Larger, randomised controlled trials are necessary to confirm and
expand these findings.