Effects of progressive resistance and balance training 1‐3 years after stroke: a randomized controlled trial (706.14)

Abstract

Objective: To compare the effect of a progressive functional resistance and balance training program with standard care on functional performance in individuals post stroke.Methods: Thirty‐four community‐living individuals were randomized to progressive resistance and balance (PRB) training and 33 to standard care (C), for 3 months. About 75% were males and the age ranged from 65 to 85 years. Inclusion criteria: ability to walk 10 m, physical inactivity, and any of low fall‐related self‐efficacy, balance difficulties or repeated falls the last year. Primary outcomes: mobility (Short physical Performance Battery, SPPB) and balance (Bergs Balance Scale, BBS). Secondary outcomes: level of physical activity (Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, PASE), walking capacity (6 Minutes Walking Test, 6MWT) and comfortable walking speed (m/s).Results: Intention‐to‐treat analysis revealed significant differences in walking capacity (P=0.02, Effect Size; 0.68) and 10 meter self‐selected walking speed (P=0.014, ES; 0.68) in favor of the PRB group. Per protocol analyses also showed favorable effects for the PRB group in balance (P=0.02, ES; 0.68). No significant differences for the other secondary outcomes were observed. Within‐group analysis showed significant improvement in balance (BBS; P=0.002), mobility (SPPB; P=0.034), walking capacity (6MWT, P=0.005) and 10 meter self‐selected walking speed (10 mWT, P=0.036) in the PRB group only.Conclusion Progressive resistance and balance training for three months performed in circuit class in individuals 1‐3 years after stroke are effective in improving walking capacity and walking speed.Grant Funding Source: Uppsala University, Sweden