Short- and long-term training effects on motor and functional performances of community-dwelling individuals with chronic stroke

Abstract

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the short- and long-term effects (1 year follow-up) of a combined program of strengthening and aerobic conditioning on measures of impairment and activity in individuals with chronic stroke.Methods: A prospective, observational study embedded within a trial was conducted. Measures of impairment (strength of the trunk and lower limb muscles) and activity (gait speed, gait capacity and ability to manage stairs) of 23 individuals with chronic stroke were reassessed 1 year after the cessation of the training. Repeated measure ANOVAs, followed by planned contrasts, were used for analyses.Results: Significant training effects were found for all outcome measures (3.81 > F > 93.5, 0.0001 > p > 0.04). The gains in strength of the paretic and non-paretic lower limbs were not maintained and returned to baseline levels after 1 year follow-up. However, the gains in all activity measures remained.Conclusions: These findings support the short- and long-term benefits of a combined program of muscular strengthening and physical conditioning for individuals with chronic stroke with high functional levels, since the gains associated with the training were maintained after the 1 year follow-up for all studied variables, except for the strength of the paretic and non-paretic lower limbs.