title: The effect of exercise of the affected foot in stroke patients--a randomized controlled pilot trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To evaluate the effect of treatment with a portable device called Stimulo on range of motion, muscle strength and spasticity in the ankle joint and its effect on walking ability, balance, activities of daily living (ADL) and health-related quality of life in stroke patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  A randomized controlled pilot study.
  
  
  METHODS
  A research centre.
  
  
  METHODS
  Ambulatory or partly ambulatory chronic stroke patients with remaining spasticity and/or decreased range of motion in the hemiparetic leg/ankle.
  
  
  METHODS
  Standardized and individualized programme including active and passive range of motion of the ankle with a portable device (Stimulo), performed three times a week for 30 min, over a six-week period.
  
  
  METHODS
  Range of motion, muscle strength, spasticity, gait variables, balance, ADL and health-related quality of life.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Eighteen subjects were included in the study with a mean age of 75 years. The compliance rate was 94-99%. There were no significant differences between the groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The study showed no significant effect of an ankle-exercise intervention programme with Stimulo. Further studies with a larger sample size are of importance before any further conclusions can be drawn.
authors.affiliation: Nutrition and Pharmacotherapy Unit, Research and Development Unit for the Elderly North West, Karolinska Institute, Jakobsbergs Hospital, Birgittavägen 4, 177 31 Järfälla, Sweden. elisabeth.rydwik@sll.se
authors.forename: Elisabeth
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Rydwik
authors.forename: Sara
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Eliasson
authors.forename: Gunnar
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Akner
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000843:Ankle Joint; D004867:Equipment Design; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation