TY - JOUR
T1 - Effects of a high-intensity task-oriented training on gait performance early after stroke: a pilot study
AU - Outermans, J.C.
AU - van Peppen, R.P.
AU - Wittink, H.
AU - Takken, T.
AU - Kwakkel, G.
PY - 2010
Y1 - 2010
N2 - Objective: To investigate the feasibility and the effects on gait of a high intensity task-oriented training, incorporating a high cardiovascular workload and large number of repetitions, in patients with subacute stroke, when compared to a low intensity physiotherapy-programme. Design and subjects: Randomized controlled clinical trial: Forty-four patients with stroke were recruited at 2 to 8 weeks after stroke onset. Measures: Maximal gait speed assessed with the 10-metre timed walking test (10MTWT), walking capacity assessed with the six-minute walk test (6MWT). Control of standing balance assessed with the Berg Balance Scale and the Functional Reach test. Group differences were analysed using a Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: Between-group analysis showed a statistically significant difference in favour of the high intensity task-oriented training in performance on the 10MTWT (Z = -2.13, P = 0.03) and the 6MWT (Z = -2.26, P = 0.02). No between-group difference were found for the Berg Balance Scale (Z = -0.07, P = 0.45) and the Functional Reach test (Z = -0.21, P = 0.84). Conclusion: A high-intensity task-oriented training programme designed to improve hemiplegic gait and physical fitness was feasible in the present study and the effectiveness exceeds a low intensity physiotherapy- programme in terms of gait speed and walking capacity in patients with subacute stroke. In a future study, it seems appropriate to additionally use measures to evaluate physical fitness and energy expenditure while walking. © 2010 The Author(s).
AB - Objective: To investigate the feasibility and the effects on gait of a high intensity task-oriented training, incorporating a high cardiovascular workload and large number of repetitions, in patients with subacute stroke, when compared to a low intensity physiotherapy-programme. Design and subjects: Randomized controlled clinical trial: Forty-four patients with stroke were recruited at 2 to 8 weeks after stroke onset. Measures: Maximal gait speed assessed with the 10-metre timed walking test (10MTWT), walking capacity assessed with the six-minute walk test (6MWT). Control of standing balance assessed with the Berg Balance Scale and the Functional Reach test. Group differences were analysed using a Mann-Whitney U-test. Results: Between-group analysis showed a statistically significant difference in favour of the high intensity task-oriented training in performance on the 10MTWT (Z = -2.13, P = 0.03) and the 6MWT (Z = -2.26, P = 0.02). No between-group difference were found for the Berg Balance Scale (Z = -0.07, P = 0.45) and the Functional Reach test (Z = -0.21, P = 0.84). Conclusion: A high-intensity task-oriented training programme designed to improve hemiplegic gait and physical fitness was feasible in the present study and the effectiveness exceeds a low intensity physiotherapy- programme in terms of gait speed and walking capacity in patients with subacute stroke. In a future study, it seems appropriate to additionally use measures to evaluate physical fitness and energy expenditure while walking. © 2010 The Author(s).
U2 - https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215509360647
DO - https://doi.org/10.1177/0269215509360647
M3 - Article
C2 - 20719820
SN - 0269-2155
VL - 24
SP - 979
EP - 987
JO - Clinical rehabilitation
JF - Clinical rehabilitation
IS - 11
ER -