title: Speed-dependent body weight supported sit-to-stand training in chronic stroke: a case series.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Body weight support (BWS) and speed-dependent training protocols have each been used for poststroke gait training, but neither approach has been tested in the context of sit-to-stand (STS) training. This study evaluated the feasibility and outcomes of speed-dependent BWS STS training for 2 persons with chronic stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  Two individuals 68 and 75 years old, and 2.3 and 8.7 years post-ischemic stroke, respectively, participated. Both exhibited right hemiparesis, required moderate (25%-50%) assistance for STS, and ambulated household distances with assistive devices.
  
  
  METHODS
  Participants performed speed-dependent BWS STS training 3 days/week for 45 to 60 minutes until able to perform STS independently. Gait parameters, the Stroke Impact Scale Mobility Domain (SIS-mobility), and the 3-Repetition STS test (3RSTS) were assessed before and after intervention.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Each participant completed more than 750 STS repetitions over the course of the intervention, achieving independence in 8 to 11 sessions. Aside from muscle soreness, no adverse effects occurred. Participants also exhibited increased gait velocity (0.17-0.24 m/s and 0.25-0.42 m/s), SIS-mobility score (78-88 and 63-66), and decreased 3RSTS time (18-8 seconds and 40-21 seconds).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Speed-dependent BWS STS training appears to be a feasible and promising method to increase STS independence and speed for persons with chronic stroke. In this small case series, a potential transfer effect to gait parameters was also observed. Future randomized controlled study is warranted to evaluate efficacy and long-term effects.
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Allied Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati Academic Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA. Pierce.Boyne@healthall.com
authors: Pierce
authors: P
authors: Boyne
authors: Susan
authors: S
authors: Israel
authors: Kari
authors: K
authors: Dunning
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001835:Body Weight / Q000502:physiology*; D002545:Brain Ischemia / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D005684:Gait / Q000502:physiology; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010291:Paresis / Q000534:rehabilitation; D011446:Prospective Studies; D020127:Recovery of Function / Q000502:physiology*; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome