| Methods |
Randomised controlled trial. Blocks of 10, random list generated by group assignments before study. Randomisation scheme controlled by a laboratory technician who had no involvement in study. Treatment allocation concealed. Blinded outcome assessor. |
| Participants |
USA
20 patients
10 intervention
10 control
Mean age 68 years
Mean Barthel index score at baseline: intervention group 82.5; control group 82.5. Standard deviation not available.
% male not reported
WHO definition of stroke
Patients recruited when completed acute rehabilitation programme and 30‐90 days after stroke onset.
Inclusion criteria: patients between 60 and 90 days poststroke; minimally or moderately impaired sensorimotor funtion (Fugl‐Meyer Motor Score 40‐90), Orpington Prognostic Scale Score 2.0‐5.2);
Ambulatory with supervision and/ or assistive device; living at home; living within 50 miles of UKMC.
Exclusion criteria: presence of coexisting conditions that would interfere with outcome assessments and/or ability to participate in submaximal exercise programme; score < 18 Mini‐Mental State Examination; receptive aphasia affecting ability to follow three step command. |
| Interventions |
Home‐based exercise programme provided by a physical therapist to improve strength, balance and endurance and to encourage use of affected extremity. Each session lasted for 90 minutes, the intervention was prescriptive. Each patient in the treatment group received 3 visits per week for 8 weeks, patients were instructed to continue the exercise programme for a further 4 weeks. |
| Outcomes |
Outcomes were recorded at 12 weeks after baseline assessment:
Fugl‐Meyer Motor Score: Upper and Lower Extremity
Barthel ADL
Lawton Instrumental ADL
Physical Function (MOS‐36)
Gait Velocity
6 Minute Walk, ft
10m walk
Berg Balance Scale
Jebsen Test of Hand Function |
| Notes |
Follow‐up period used in analyses 12 weeks |
| Risk of bias |
| Bias |
Authors' judgement |
Support for judgement |
| Allocation concealment? |
Low risk |
A ‐ Adequate |
