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The effect of exercise of the affected foot in stroke patients--a randomized controlled pilot trial
Elisabeth Rydwik1, Sara Eliasson, Gunnar Akner
1Nutrition and Pharmacotherapy Unit, Research and Development Unit for the Elderly North West, Karolinska Institute, Jakobsbergs Hospital, Birgittavägen 4, 177 31 Järfälla, Sweden. elisabeth.rydwik@sll.se
Objective:
To evaluate the effect of treatment with a portable device called Stimulo on range of motion, muscle strength and spasticity in the ankle joint and its effect on walking ability, balance, activities of daily living (ADL) and health-related quality of life in stroke patients.
Design:
A randomized controlled pilot study.
Setting:
A research centre.
Subjects:
Ambulatory or partly ambulatory chronic stroke patients with remaining spasticity and/or decreased range of motion in the hemiparetic leg/ankle.
Interventions:
Standardized and individualized programme including active and passive range of motion of the ankle with a portable device (Stimulo), performed three times a week for 30 min, over a six-week period.
Main Measures:
Range of motion, muscle strength, spasticity, gait variables, balance, ADL and health-related quality of life.
Results:
Eighteen subjects were included in the study with a mean age of 75 years. The compliance rate was 94-99%. There were no significant differences between the groups.
Conclusion:
The study showed no significant effect of an ankle-exercise intervention programme with Stimulo. Further studies with a larger sample size are of importance before any further conclusions can be drawn.
