Group therapy task training versus individual task training during inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a randomised...

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Stroke rehabilitation aims to restore mobility and function.
• Task-specific training is crucial for improving walking post-stroke.
• Comparing group versus individual therapy delivery is important for optimizing rehabilitation resources.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the efficacy of group therapy task training (GT) versus individual task training (IT) for patients with moderate to severe stroke.
• To assess the impact on self-reported mobility and other functional outcomes during inpatient rehabilitation.

Main Methods:

• Randomized controlled trial involving 73 subacute stroke patients.
• Interventions included 30 sessions of 90-minute progressive task training over six weeks.
• Primary outcome: mobility domain of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS-3.0).

Main Results:

• No significant differences were found between group therapy and individual therapy in the primary outcome (SIS mobility domain).
• Both interventions were safe, with no reported adverse events.
• Secondary outcomes, including gait speed and non-physical aspects like depression, also showed no significant group differences.

Conclusions:

• Inpatient group therapy task training is a safe and equally effective alternative to dose-matched individual task training for stroke patients.
• Group therapy can be used as an alternative or adjunct to individual therapy to enhance time spent on gait-related activities.