Effects of resistance combined with stretching exercise on improving the motor function in patients with chronic stroke

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of resistance combined with stretching exercise on improving the motor function in patients with chronic stroke. Methods 18 patients with chronic stroke were selected from several communities in Suzhou from February to May 2016. The participants were randomly divided into the control group (n=9) and the intervention group (n=9) . The control group received a resistance training while the intervention group received a combined exercise (i.e. resistance and stretching) . During the four weeks of intervention, four participants dropped out of the study (two for control group and two for intervention group) . Comparing the walking ability, balance function and muscle strength before and after the intervention. The assessment included six-minute walk test (6MWT) , modified Barthel index (MBI) , functional independence scale (FIM) , Berg balance scale (BBS) , and grip strength. Results After the intervention, both groups had a significant improvement in 6MWD, MBI, BBS, FIM, and grip strength, but the intervention group had an additional success in MBI (P 0.05) . However, after the intervention, the participants in the intervention group showed a significant progress in BBS and grip strength for the diseased side compared with the control group (P<0.05) . Conclusions Both resistance training and stretching exercise can improve the muscle strength, balance function and walking ability in patients with chronic stroke. But the combined training has shown a crucial benefit for muscle strength and balance ability compared with a purely resistance training. Key words: Stroke; Rehabilitation nursing; Hemiplegia; Resistance training; Stretching exercise