Cm. Dean et al., Task-related circuit training improves performance of locomotor tasks in chronic stroke: A randomized, controlled pilot trial, ARCH PHYS M, 81(4), 2000, pp. 409-417
Objective: To evaluate the immediate and retention effects of a 4-week trai
ning program on the performance of locomotor-related tasks in chronic strok
e.
Design: Randomized, controlled pilot study with 2-month follow-up.
Setting: Rehabilitation center.
Subjects: A convenience sample consisting of 12 chronic stroke subjects was
used. Subjects were randomly assigned to the experimental or the control g
roup. Three subjects withdrew from the study.
Intervention: Both experimental and control groups participated in exercise
classes three times a week for 4 weeks. The exercise class for the experim
ental group focused on strengthening the affected lower limb and practicing
functional tasks involving the lower Limbs, while the control group practi
ced upper-limb tasks.
Main Outcome Measures: Lower-limb function was evaluated by measuring walki
ng speed and endurance, peak vertical ground reaction force through the aff
ected foot during sit-to-stand, and the step test.
Results: The experimental group demonstrated significant immediate and reta
ined (2-month follow-up) improvement (p less than or equal to .05) compared
with the control group in walking speed and endurance, force production th
rough the affected leg duping sit-to-stand, and the number of repetitions o
f the step test.
Conclusion: The pilot study provides evidence for the efficacy of a task-re
lated circuit class at improving locomotor function in chronic stroke.