title: Obstacle training programme for individuals post stroke: feasibility study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purposes were threefold: to develop an obstacle ambulation training programme, to recruit and retain individuals post chronic stroke and to assess the effectiveness of the obstacle ambulation training programme.
  
  
  METHODS
  Intervention study; case series; baseline to post-intervention measures and one month follow-up after intervention.
  
  
  METHODS
  An outpatient department.
  
  
  METHODS
  Five individuals with chronic stroke with mild to moderate functional limitations; convenience sample.
  
  
  METHODS
  Therapy consisted of twice weekly sessions for four weeks during which subjects walked along a walkway and over obstacles.
  
  
  METHODS
  Motor Assessment Scale--walking section (MAS--time), Six-minute Walk Test distance, walking velocity, and Medical Outcomes Study-36 Health Status Measurement (SF-36).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant improvements were seen baseline to post intervention for walking velocity, Six-minute Walk Test, MAS and SF-36 physical function score (p < or = 0.025 for all measures). Most improvements noted at the end of training were retained one month later. The effect sizes ranged from 0.33 to 1.20.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Substantial improvement in ambulation function and disability level were seen as a result of the obstacle training programme for individuals with chronic stroke. Further investigation is warranted.
authors.affiliation: Columbia University, Program in Physical Therapy, New York, New York, USA.
authors.forename: Clare C
authors.initials: CC
authors.lastname: Bassile
authors.forename: Catherine
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Dean
authors.forename: Bernadette
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Boden-Albala
authors.forename: Ralph
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Sacco
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003627:Data Interpretation, Statistical; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009048:Motor Skills / Q000502:physiology*; D015397:Program Evaluation; D011788:Quality of Life; D012494:Sampling Studies; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D014481:United States