title: Group therapy task training versus individual task training during inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a randomised controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the efficacy of intensive daily applied progressive group therapy task training with equally dosed individual progressive task training on self-reported mobility for patients with moderate to severe stroke during inpatient rehabilitation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized controlled clinical trial.
  
  
  METHODS
  In-patient rehabilitation center.
  
  
  METHODS
  A total of 73 subacute patients with stroke who were not able to walk without physical assistance at randomisation.
  
  
  METHODS
  Patients were allocated to group therapy task training (GT) or individual task training (IT). Both interventions were intended to improve walking competency and comprised 30 sessions of 90 minutes over six weeks.
  
  
  METHODS
  Primary outcome was the mobility domain of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS-3.0). Secondary outcomes were the other domains of SIS-3.0, standing balance, gait speed, walking distance, stair climbing, fatigue, anxiety and depression.
  
  
  RESULTS
  No adverse events were reported in either arm of the trial. There were no significant differences between groups for the SIS mobility domain at the end of the intervention (Z= -0.26, P = 0.79). No significant differences between groups were found in gait speed improvements (GT:0.38 ±0.23; IT:0.26±0.35), any other gait related parameters, or in non-physical outcomes such as depression and fatigue.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Inpatient group therapy task training for patients with moderate to severe stroke is safe and equally effective as a dose-matched individual task training therapy. Group therapy task training may be delivered as an alternative to individual therapy or as valuable adjunct to increase time spent in gait-related activities.
authors: NRZ Neurological Rehabilitation Center, University of Leipzig, Germany renner@sachsenklinik.de.
authors: Caroline Ie
authors: CIe
authors: Renner
authors: Researchgroup Lifestyle and Health, Hogeschool Utrecht,University of Applied Sciences, Utrecht, Netherlands.
authors: Jacqueline
authors: J
authors: Outermans
authors: NRZ Neurological Rehabilitation Center, University of Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Ricarda
authors: R
authors: Ludwig
authors: NRZ Neurological Rehabilitation Center, University of Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Christiane
authors: C
authors: Brendel
authors: Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, MOVE Research Institute, VU University Medical Centre, Amsterdam, Netherlands Amsterdam Rehabilitation Research Center, Reade Centre for Rehabilitation and Rheumatology, Amsterdam, Netherlands.
authors: Gert
authors: G
authors: Kwakkel
authors: NRZ Neurological Rehabilitation Center, University of Leipzig, Germany.
authors: Horst
authors: H
authors: Hummelsheim
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D005081:Exercise Therapy; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006760:Hospitalization; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology*; D011615:Psychotherapy, Group; D020127:Recovery of Function; D057566:Self Report; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: Stroke; group therapy; physical therapy; randomized controlled trial; walking