Effectiveness of a community-based low intensity exercise programme for ambulatory stroke survivors

Cramp, Mary Christine; Greenwood, Richard J.; Gill, Michael; Lehmann, Anthea; Rothwell, John Christine; Scott, Oona M.

Abstract

Purpose. To establish the feasibility and effectiveness of a community-based exercise programme for ambulatory patients with stroke discharged from rehabilitation Method. Eighteen participants were recruited 3-12 months after onset of first stroke. Using a time series experimental design, the group completed a baseline period of 4 weeks (A1), a group exercise programme of low-intensity progressive resistive exercise and functional tasks for lower limb muscles (B) and repeat assessment after cessation of exercise (A2). Fitness instructors delivered sessions at Leisure Centres twice weekly for 14 weeks with physiotherapy support and the minimum attendance requirement was 16 sessions. Measures included muscle strength, gait velocity, Berg Balance Scale and Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living. Results. Lower limb muscle strength improved after training (ANOVA, p

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Publication Date: Jan 4, 2010
• Journal: Disability and Rehabilitation
• Print ISSN: 0963-8288
• Electronic ISSN: 1464-5165
• Publisher: Taylor & Francis
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 32
• Issue: 3
• Pages: 239-247
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.3109/09638280903095916
• Keywords: stroke, exercise, community-based rehabilitation
• Public URL: https://uwe-repository.worktribe.com/output/984211
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.3109/09638280903095916