Jump training is feasible for nearly ambulatory patients after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the feasibility of jump training for nearly ambulatory patients after stroke.


METHODS
Case series.


METHODS
A rehabilitation centre for adult people with neurological disorders.


METHODS
Six subacute, nearly ambulatory patients with hemiparesis due to stroke.


METHODS
A modified form of jump training performed over a period of six weeks.


METHODS
Impairments: We used the Motricity Index to measure strength, the Fugl-Meyer subtest passive joint motion/pain for range of motion and pain and the modified Tardieu Scale to measure spasticity at baseline and after six weeks. Activity level: To assess walking ability we used the Functional Ambulation Category, to measure walking quality we used 10-m gait velocity, stride length and Rivermead Visual Gait Index and to assess walking capacity we used the six-minute walk test.


RESULTS
No severe adverse events were observed during the study period. Motricity Index sum score of the affected leg increased from 38 +/- 11 points (mean +/- SD) to 56 +/- 15 points; P = 0.028. Modified Tardieu Scale and Fugl-Meyer subtest passive joint motion/pain remained unchanged over time (P = 1.0; P = 0.157, respectively). All patients were able to walk at the end of training (median Functional Ambulation Category grade five, P= 0.023). Gait quality improved as shown in increased gait velocity (from 0.3 +/- 0.1 to 1.1 +/- 0.5 m/s; P = 0.028), improved stride length (from 0.3 +/- 0.1 to 0.6 +/- 0.2 m; P = 0.028) and improved Rivermead Visual Gait Index score (from 38.7 +/- 5.6 points to 24.8 +/- 7.0 points; P = 0.027). All patient increased gait capacity (from 97 +/- 33 m to 289 +/- 134 m; P = 0.028).


CONCLUSIONS
Jump exercises are feasible for selected subacute stroke patients with hemiparesis.
Mehrholz
Jan
J
Department of Early Rehabilitation, Klinik Bavaria, Kreischa, Germany.
Rutte
Katja
K
Pohl
Marcus
M
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005080:Exercise Test; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D051346:Mobility Limitation; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking / Q000502:physiology*