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Progressive resistance strengthening exercises after stroke: a single-blind randomized controlled trial
Julie D Moreland1, Charlie H Goldsmith, Maria P Huijbregts
1St. Joseph's Healthcare, Hamilton, ON, Canada. moreland@mcmaster.ca
Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation
|October 31, 2003
Summary
Progressive resistance strengthening exercises did not significantly improve gross motor function or walking ability in stroke survivors undergoing intensive rehabilitation. The study found no added benefit compared to exercises performed without resistance.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Exercise Physiology
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability, affecting motor function and mobility.
- Intensive rehabilitation is crucial for stroke recovery, with a focus on improving functional outcomes.
- Progressive resistance strengthening exercises are a common intervention, but their specific efficacy post-stroke requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the effectiveness of progressive resistance strengthening exercises in enhancing gross motor function and walking in stroke patients.
- To compare outcomes between patients receiving conventional therapy plus resistance exercises and those receiving conventional therapy with non-resisted exercises.
Main Methods:
- A randomized controlled trial was conducted across five inpatient rehabilitation programs.
- Participants were within 6 months post-stroke and in specific recovery stages (CMSA leg stages 3-5).
- The experimental group performed lower-extremity resistance exercises, while the control group performed the same exercises without resistance, both thrice weekly.
Main Results:
- No significant difference was observed in the rate of change for the Disability Inventory between the experimental (-0.02 points/day) and control groups (P=.62).
- Similarly, the 2-minute walk test showed no significant between-group difference at discharge (-0.16 m, P=.14).
- These findings indicate that adding resistance to strengthening exercises did not yield superior functional improvements.
Conclusions:
- Progressive resistance strengthening exercises, as implemented in this study, did not demonstrate superior effectiveness compared to non-resisted exercises for improving motor function and walking in stroke survivors.
- The findings suggest that conventional physical therapy, potentially with non-resisted exercises, may be as effective for this patient population.
- Further research could explore different exercise parameters or patient subgroups to optimize rehabilitation strategies.