Patients suffering a stroke are often left with residual deficits in strength and gait. Depending on the severity of the stroke, patients are left with a wide range of disabilities. It was once thought that stroke survivors would never regain use of their paretic extremities; however, research continues to demonstrate the benefit of exercise after a stroke. Researchers in Norway were interested to see if a two-week, intensive exercise program for stroke survivors at least six months post stroke was effective and feasible. 12 hemiparetic patients (27-62 years old, average 46.5 years old) completed two weeks of group exercise for six hours a day at an inpatient rehabilitation hospital. The patients exercised in groups of three or four patients supervised by one or two therapists (physical and/or occupational therapists). Their exercises consisted of transfers, weight-bearing on the paretic limb, and stepping exercises for 90 minutes. Balance activities including rocker board and foam balance exercise were performed for 60 minutes. Gait training and strength training exercises were performed for 75 minutes each. Strengthening activities included functional tasks and exercises for the ankle, knee, hip and trunk. Patients were pre-tested 16 days and three days prior to the intervention, and post-tested three days and one year after the intervention. The two pre-test data sets showed no significant difference, supporting the reliability of the measures, as well as serving as a ‘waitlist’ control and baseline. After the two week program, gait and mobility significantly improved, which was maintained at the one year follow-up. Knee and ankle strength also significantly increased after the program, although some strength gains were not maintained after one year. In summary, an intensive, two week lower extremity exercise program including Thera-Band® Rocker Boards and Stability Trainers can be feasible in group settings. Chronic stroke survivors can improve their gait, mobility, and lower extremity strength as a result of this program. REFERENCE: Stock R, Mork PJ. The effect of an intensive exercise programme on leg function in chronic stroke patients: a pilot study with one-year follow-up. Clin Rehabil. 2009 Sep;23(9):790-9. Epub 2009 Jun 26. Visit the Thera-Band Academy Stroke Resource Center Here

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