Feasibility of a task-oriented training and muscle-strengthening programme to weight-bearing symmetry after stroke

Abstract

Aims: This study proposed an exercise programme including strengthening and task-oriented training focussing on weight-bearing symmetry and examined its feasibility and safety for chronic stroke patients. Additionally, gait, balance and health status were assessed after the exercise programme implementation.

Methodology: Fourteen individuals participated in this pre-test/post-test design study. The exercise programme was performed in two sessions/week, during 10 weeks. In each session, adverse events were computed and feasibility was assessed by attendance and the capacity to accomplish the exercises. Posturography and secondary outcomes were assessed before and after the programme: gait kinematics; Fugl-Meyer scale; Berg Balance Scale; Dynamic Gait Index and Stroke Impact Scale.

Findings: The results showed a satisfactory adherence without adverse events. There were pre- to post-test statistical differences related to weight-bearing symmetry and to all secondary outcomes.

Conclusions: The results suggest that the proposed programme may be a feasible and safe intervention to improve weight-bearing symmetry in post stroke individuals. Benefits were also found for gait, balance and health status measures. Larger, randomised controlled trials are necessary to confirm and expand these findings.

Keywords:

• Rehabilitation
• physical therapy modalities
• load-bearing
• exercise therapy

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Carlos Henrique Ramos Horsczaruk, Débora Cristina Lima da Silva, Thiago Moreira Xarles, Déborah Martins, Tiago Amaral Pimenta for technical support.

Disclosure statement

The authors have declared that no competing interests exist.

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico (CNPq) and Fundação Carlos Chagas Filho de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado do Rio de Janeiro (FAPERJ).