A randomized, controlled pilot study of a home-based exercise program for individuals with mild and moderate stroke

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Exercise Physiology

Background:

• Stroke survivors often experience neurological deficits and physical deconditioning.
• Cardiovascular problems are prevalent and potentially modifiable with exercise.
• Home-based exercise programs offer a feasible rehabilitation approach.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a home-based balance, strength, and endurance program for stroke survivors.
• To evaluate the feasibility of recruiting and retaining participants in a post-stroke exercise study.
• To assess the effects of a home-based exercise intervention on functional outcomes.

Main Methods:

• A randomized controlled pilot study involving 20 minimally to moderately impaired stroke patients.
• An 8-week, therapist-supervised, home-based exercise program for the experimental group; usual care for the control group.
• Evaluations included motor assessments (Fugl-Meyer), functional scales (Barthel, Lawton), and performance tests (gait, balance, hand function).

Main Results:

• The experimental group showed greater improvements in motor function, gait velocity, walking distance, and balance compared to the control group.
• Significant positive trends were observed in lower extremity function and physical function scores.
• No significant differences were noted in upper extremity dexterity or activities of daily living scales.

Conclusions:

• A randomized controlled trial of a post-stroke home-based exercise program is feasible.
• The intervention demonstrated benefits primarily in neurological impairments and lower extremity function.
• Further research is needed to assess long-term effects and upper extremity/functional health status impacts.