Effects of intensive gait-oriented physiotherapy during early acute phase of stroke

20Citations
Citations of this article
127Readers
Mendeley users who have this article in their library.

Abstract

We assessed the effects and strenuousness of intensive gait-oriented inpatient rehabilitation initiated very early after stroke. Therapy content and interrater reliability of the assessments were also analyzed. Of 22 patients, 19 (average 8.0 d poststroke) completed the study. Before rehabilitation, 13 patients were unable to walk or needed two assistants to walk and 6 patients needed one assistant. Patients spent a daily maximum of 1 h therapy time to obtain 20 min of walking. Additional physiotherapy was also provided during the 3 wk therapy period. Seven structured motor tests were recorded before and after rehabilitation and at 6 months postrehabilitation, and perceived exertion was followed during physiotherapy. After rehabilitation, 16 patients could walk unassisted and 3 needed one assistant to walk. Mean +/- standard deviation exercise walking distance was 10,784 +/- 4,446 m and exercise was ranked as slightly strenuous. After 3 wk, the patients' 10 m walking time, ankle spasticity, lower-limb muscle force, and motor scale scores improved (p < 0.05). The early intensive rehabilitation was well tolerated and only three patients dropped out. Improved motor abilities were seen in all stroke patients.

Cite

CITATION STYLE

APA

Peurala, S. H., Airaksinen, O., Jäkälä, P., Tarkka, I. M., & Sivenius, J. (2007). Effects of intensive gait-oriented physiotherapy during early acute phase of stroke. Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development, 44(5), 637–648. https://doi.org/10.1682/JRRD.2006.05.0039

Register to see more suggestions

Mendeley helps you to discover research relevant for your work.

Already have an account?

Save time finding and organizing research with Mendeley

Sign up for free