title: Physiotherapy and physical functioning post-stroke: exercise habits and functioning 4 years later? Long-term follow-up after a 1-year long-term intervention period: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Physical activity is mandatory if patients are to remain healthy and independent after stroke.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  Maintenance of motor function, tone, grip strength, balance, mobility, gait, independence in personal and instrumental activities of daily living, health-related quality-of-life and an active lifestyle 4 years post-stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  A prospective randomized controlled trial.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Four years post-stroke, 37 of the 75 participating persons were eligible for follow-up; 19 (54.3%) from the intensive exercise group and 18 (45%) from the regular exercise group. Both groups were performing equally well with no significant differences in total scores on the BI (p = 0.3), MAS (p = 0.4), BBS (p = 0.1), TUG (p = 0.08), 6MWT (p = 0.1), bilateral grip strength (affected hand, p = 0.8; non-affected hand, p = 0.9) nor in the items of NHP (p > 0.005). Independence in performing the IADL was 40%, while 60% had help from relatives or community-based services.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This longitudinal study shows that persons with stroke in two groups with different exercise regimes during the first year after stroke did not differ in long-term outcomes. Both groups maintained function and had a relatively active life style 4 years after the acute incident. The results underline the importance of follow-up testing and encouragement to exercise, to motivate and sustain physical activity patterns, to maintain physical function, not only in the acute but also in the chronic phase of stroke.
authors.affiliation: Faculty of Health, Oslo and Akershus University College , Oslo , Norway .
authors.forename: Birgitta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Langhammer
authors.forename: Birgitta
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Lindmark
authors.forename: Johan K
authors.initials: JK
authors.lastname: Stanghelle
mesh_terms: D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000328:Adult; D002985:Clinical Protocols; D015444:Exercise / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005684:Gait; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009664:Norway / Q000453:epidemiology; D010349:Patient Compliance / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities; D004856:Postural Balance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011788:Quality of Life / Q000523:psychology; D020127:Recovery of Function; D020521:Stroke / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D017741:Survivors / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D016138:Walking
keywords: Function; intervention; longitudinal follow-up; rehabilitation; stroke