Review Article
Year: 2021 | Month: July | Volume: 11 | Issue: 7 | Pages: 144-158
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20210721
Functional Gait of Patients with Stroke after Strength Training: A Systematic Review of Randomised Controlled Trials
Marjorie R. Mwansa1, Simon Himalowa1, Richard Kunda2
1Department of Physiotherapy, Lusaka Apex Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia
2School of Health Sciences, Levy Mwanawasa Medical University, Lusaka, Zambia
Corresponding Author: Marjorie R. Mwansa
ABSTRACT
Background: Stroke is a major health challenge that impacts on the independence, quality of life, productivity and participation in social and economic lives of patients with stroke.
Objective: To determine the effects of strength training on functional gait of stroke patients compared to conventional therapy
Methods: Eleven databases (PubMed, Science Direct, MEDLINE, PEDRO, Cochrane, EBSCO Host, CINAHL, PsycInfo, Embase, Google Scholar and ERIC) were searched to identify eligible studies. All randomised controlled trials published between 2010 and 2020 were included and reviewed by two independent reviewers. The Critical Appraisal Skills Programme (CASP) checklist for RCTs was used to assess and appraise the studies.
Main Results: This review analysed 16 studies involving 946 patients with stroke that reported on aerobic exercises, task-oriented circuit training, treadmill gait training, high and medium intensity interval training, dynamic resistance training, progressive resistance training, stationary cycling, concentric isokinetic strengthening, functional strength training, resistance exercise strengthening, and isokinetic strengthening. The interventions revealed a statistical significance on walking speed, gait parameters, mobility, muscle strength, quality of life, functional parameters and balance of subjects from the strength training groups.
The mean changes in gait speed, walking distance and mobility increased in the experimental (strength training) than the control (conventional) group (p = 0.003, p=.038; SD 0.25/0.33, p < .0001). Comparing walking speed at pre- and post-intervention, stride length increased (48.00 5.63: 53.00 5.38) with a p-value of p< 0.05. However, no statistical significance was recorded between the paretic and non-paretic limb during swing phase (paretic p = 0.0089; non-paretic p = 0.074). Strength training significantly improved all knee strength and ankle parameters, and gait velocity (p<0.01, p<0.05).
Conclusion: Strength training appears to be an effective intervention improving functional gait of stroke patients compared to conventional therapy.
Key words: Stroke patient, Functional gait, Strength training.