Comparison of two circuit class therapy programs on walking capacity, gait velocity and stair ambulation among patients with chronic stroke: a parallel pretest-posttest pilot study

OBJECTIVE@#Circuit class therapy is a cost-efficient model of treatment that can be beneficial in a setting with limited resources. Current literature has conflicting results regarding which is a more effective approach to stroke rehabilitation: focusing on functional training or on improving impairments. This pilot study provides preliminary information comparing the effects of a task-oriented versus an impairment-focused circuit class therapy on walking ability among patients with chronic stroke.@*METHOD@#Eighteen participants with a single episode of chronic stroke and limited mobility were randomized into task-oriented circuit class (task group) (n=9) and impairment-focused circuit class (impairment group) (n=9). Both groups underwent intervention thrice a week for four weeks. Blind examination was done using the Ten Meter Walk Test for comfortable gait velocity (CGV) and fast gait velocit(FGV), Time Up and Down Stairs (TUDS), and Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT).@*RESULTS@#All participants completed the treatment sessions without adverse effects. After four weeks of treatment, the task group showed statistically significant within-group change in CGV (0.12±0.08, p=0.003) and FGV (0.25±0.22, p=0.007). The impairment group only showed statistically significant improvement in 6MWT (25.80±31.2, p=0.038). There were no statistically significant changes between the groups in all outcome measures.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The preliminary data from this pilot study suggest either program can improve walking-related outcomes and may not be different, although this needs to be confirmed using an appropriately-powered trial.

The Timed Up-&-Go Test: Preliminary Age- and Sex-related Reference Values for Older Filipino Adults

Objective@#The Timed Up-&-Go Test (TUGT) is a clinically useful measure that has been widely used in practice to assess functional mobility in older people. Interpretation of TUGT scores relies on appropriate reference values. This study aimed to describe preliminary age- and sex-related reference values for the TUGT for Filipinos aged 60–79 years. @*Methods@#This is a descriptive cross-sectional study. We included Filipino adults aged 60–79 years, with no significant disability, and resided in metropolitan areas in the National Capital Region and rural communities in southern Luzon. All participants completed the TUGT. Data were analyzed descriptively and reported as means, standard deviations, and 95% confidence intervals.@* Results@#A total of 156 community-dwelling older adults participated in the study with mean age (SD) of 68 (5) years. The majority were women (103/156, 66%). Mean (SD) TUGT score for all participants was 11.0 (2.4) seconds. Overall, men completed the test faster compared to women, and individuals in the 60–69 years age group had shorter completion times than those in the 70–79 years age group.@*Conclusion@#In the absence of definitive reference values for older Filipino adults, this study provides preliminary guidance for interpreting TUGT performance for the purposes of screening and monitoring functional mobility impairments in this population.

Intensive task-oriented training for mobility and balance in a patient with multiple strokes: A case report

@#<p style="text-align: justify;">Patients with multiple strokes are often excluded from studies due to poor outcomes. This case report described change in mobility and balance in a 54-year-old male with four strokes following intensive physical therapy (PT) based on the Task oriented Approach. Outcome assessment demonstrated clinically meaningful change in balance and mobility, and no adverse events. Intensive task-oriented PT is safe and feasible, and may contribute toward positive outcomes in severe disability related to multiple strokes.</p>