Shao C, Wang Y, Gou H, Xiao H, Chen T. Strength Training of the Nonhemiplegic Side Promotes Motor Function Recovery in Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial.
Arch Phys Med Rehabil 2023;
104:188-194. [PMID:
36261056 DOI:
10.1016/j.apmr.2022.09.012]
[Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 09/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE
To observe the effect of strength training of the nonhemiplegic side (NHS) on balance function, mobility, and muscle strength of patients with stroke.
DESIGN
A single-blinded (evaluator) randomized controlled trial.
SETTING
A tertiary hospital rehabilitation center.
PARTICIPANTS
139 patients with first stroke (N=139) were recruited and randomly separated into a trial (n=69) or control group (n=70).
INTERVENTIONS
The control group underwent usual rehabilitation training, including step training and trunk control training in standing position. The trial group underwent strength training of NHS on the basis of usual rehabilitation training. The strength training of NHS included lower limb stepping training with resisting elastic belt and upper limb pulling elastic belt training in standing position. The training for both groups was 45 min, once a day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES
Balance evaluation was done with the Berg Balance Scale (BBS); mobility assessment with the 6-minute walk test (6-MWT); activities of daily life was examined via the modified Barthel Index (MBI); muscle strengths of the biceps brachii, iliopsoas, and quadriceps were measured via the isokinetic muscle strength testing system. All assessments were performed at baseline (T0) and after intervention (T1).
RESULTS
The trial group performed better than control group in BBS scores (adjusted mean difference: 6.83; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 4.71-8.94) and 6-MWT (adjusted mean difference: 50.32; 95% CI: 40.58-60.05) after intervention. In terms of muscle strength of the hemiplegic side, the trial group displayed greater gains in biceps brachii, iliopsoas, and quadriceps than control group after intervention.
CONCLUSION
Strength training of the NHS can promote recovery of balance, mobility, and muscle strength of the paretic side of patients with stroke.
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