The effect of an intensive exercise programme on leg function in chronic stroke patients: a pilot study with one-year follow-up.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of two weeks of intensive exercise on leg function in chronic stroke patients and to evaluate the feasibility of an intensive exercise programme in a group setting.


METHODS
Pilot study with one-group pre-test post-test design with two pre-tests and one-year follow-up.


METHODS
Inpatient rehabilitation hospital.


METHODS
Twelve hemiparetic patients completed the intervention. Ten patients participated at one-year follow-up.


METHODS
Six hours of daily intensive exercise for two weeks with focus on weight-shifting towards the affected side and increased use of the affected extremity during functional activities. An insole with nubs in the shoe of the non-paretic limb was used to reinforce weight-shift toward the affected side.


METHODS
Timed Up and Go, Four Square Step Test, gait velocity, gait symmetry and muscle strength in knee and ankle muscles.


RESULTS
Maximal gait velocity (P = 0.002) and performance time (seconds) on Timed Up and Go (mean, SD; 12.2, 3.8 vs. 9.4, 3.2) and Four Square Step Test improved from pre- to post-test (P = 0.005). Improvements remained significant at follow-up. Preferred gait velocity and gait symmetry remained unchanged. Knee extensor (P<50.009) and flexor (P<50.001) strength increased bilaterally from pre- to post-test but only knee flexor strength remained significant at follow-up. Ankle dorsi flexor (P = 0.02) and plantar flexor (P<0.001) strength increased on paretic side only (not tested at follow-up).


CONCLUSIONS
Intensive exercise for lower extremity is feasible in a group setting and was effective in improving ambulatory function, maximal gait velocity and muscle strength in chronic stroke patients. Most improvements persisted at the one-year follow-up.
Stock
Roland
R
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Munkvoll Rehabiliteringssenter, St Olavs Hospital, Trondheim, Human Movement Science Programme, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim NO-7491, Norway.
Mork
Paul Jarle
PJ
D000328:Adult; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D053580:Muscle Strength; D010291:Paresis / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D020127:Recovery of Function; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016138:Walking