Adaptive physical activity improves mobility function and quality of life in chronic hemiparesis.
This study investigated the effects of an adaptive physical activity (APA) program on mobility function and quality of life (QOL) in chronic stroke patients. Twenty subjects with chronic hemiparesis completed a 2-month, combined group, class-home exercise regimen that emphasized mobility training. APA improved Berg Balance Scale scores (35 +/- 2 vs 45 +/- 2, p = 0.001), 6-minute walk distances (114 +/- 15 vs 142 +/- 7 m, p < 0.001), and Short Physical Performance Battery scores (3.2 +/- 0.4 vs 5.2 +/- 0.6, p < 0.001). Barthel Index scores increased (75 +/- 4 vs 84 +/- 4, p < 0.001), but Lawton scores were unchanged. Geriatric Depression Scale (p < 0.01) and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), Mobility, Participation, and Recovery improved with APA (p < 0.03). APA has the potential to improve gait, balance, and basic but not instrumental activities of daily living profiles in individuals with chronic stroke. Improved depression and SIS scores suggest APA improves stroke-specific outcomes related to QOL.
Geriatric Research, Education, and Clinical Center, Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Maryland Health Care System, Baltimore VA Medical Center (VAMC) Baltimore, MD, USA.
Richard F
RF
Macko
Francesco
F
Benvenuti
Steven
S
Stanhope
Velio
V
Macellari
Antonia
A
Taviani
Barbara
B
Nesi
Michael
M
Weinrich
Mary
M
Stuart
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000222:Adaptation, Physiological / Q000502:physiology*; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D010291:Paresis / Q000503:physiopathology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D011788:Quality of Life; D020127:Recovery of Function; D012044:Regression Analysis; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology*; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation