Jean Louis THONNARD (Belgium)
Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain) Institute of Neuroscience (Ions)Author Of 1 Presentation
COLLECTIVE AND MULTIMODAL PHYSICAL ACTIVITY IMPROVED ACTIVITY LIMITATIONS FOR STROKE SURVIVORS IN LOW INCOME SETTINGS: FEASIBILITY AND EFFICACY OF A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL WITH CROSS-OVER
Abstract
Background and Aims
Post-stroke disability leads victims to physical inactivity and activity limitation. Although several protocols of physical activity have been shown to be effective for poststroke people, their modalities were trial dependent, sometimes expensive and less accessible in low income settings. To investigate the feasibility and efficacy of a Circuit walking, Balance, Cycling and strengthening trainings (CBCS) trial on activity limitation in people with chronic stroke.
Methods
Forty-six community-dwelling chronic stroke individuals, no longer undergoing rehabilitation, were randomly assigned to either experimental group (n = 23, CBCS trainings; 2 hours sessions, 3/weeks for 12 weeks) or the control group (n = 23, passive socio-cultural activities; same duration and intensity as experimental group). Afterwards, both groups were crossed over and trained for the same duration and intensity. Feasibility was assessed by retention, adherence rate and safety while efficacy was assessed by the ACTIVLIM-Stroke scale (activity limitation) and 6MWT (walking endurance). Outcomes were measured at baseline, after intervention (12 weeks), at 6 months (after cross-over) and at follow up (3 months).
Results
The retention rate was 100% while the adherence was 93%. Minor adverse events occurred in 10% of cases during the first week. A two (groups) × four (test sessions) analysis of variance indicated significant improvements of activity limitations (ACTIVLIM-stroke, p < .001) and walking endurance (6MWT, p<.001) in the experimental group compared to control. The effects obtained remained improved at follow-up.
Conclusions
Collective and combined physical activity was feasible and safe. It improved functional independence (activity limitation) and walking endurance in chronic stroke survivors.