Effect of resistance training through in-person and teleconferencing sessions in rehabilitation of acute stroke patients

Abstract

Objective: To determine whether application of a strength training regimen yields measurable results on stroke survivors and compare different methods for the proposed intervention. Design, Patients and Methods: Ninety stroke patients were recruited from the neurological clinic of a local third-level clinic. Sixty patients participated in a strength training regimen with trainings taking place 3 times a week for 12 weeks with the use of resistance bands. Thirty of these patients were given face-to-face sessions and 30 patients were given trainings through an on-line platform. The last 30 patients who comprised the control group only followed usual care after the stroke. Results: The applied strength regimen had a statistically significant effect on Visual Analog Scale scores of stroke patients who received it (p = 0.009), as well as in the teleconferencing group (p = 0.004). The measured arteriovenous oxygen difference was elevated for stroke patients who received the intervention as a whole (p = 0.007). Patients who were trained in person and the ones who were trained via teleconferencing yielded similar results as evaluated through the VAS index. Discussion and Conclusion: Administration of strength training 3 times weekly for 12 weeks to stroke patients yielded measurable results in terms of general function and quality of life.

Keywords

• stroke
• rehabilitation
• anaerobic/strength training
• resistance bands
• telemedicine
• telerehabilitation