|
Recent clinical trials have made note of an
effective post therapy for stroke afflicted patients. The short-term
therapy has been evaluated on patients who have suffered from
a stroke.
The
findings of the study were published in the Stroke journal.
Medical researchers invited 61 men and women with persistent
walking conditions to participate in the trial. The subjects
included patients who suffered from six months to 10 years of
walking problems subsequent to their stroke.
Half of
the subjects were assigned to a training program. The three
times a week fitness regimen consisted of 40-minute treadmill
sessions. Every two weeks, the intensity and span of the treadmill
exercise was increased. If the patient was unable to maintain
the speed, the demand was not significantly increased.
Other participants
were assigned to conduct traditional post-stroke exercises.
The normal post stroke fitness program consisted of 25-35 minutes
of stretching proceeded by five minutes of treadmill walking.
The pace is maintained at a constant speed.
The researchers
noted significant differences between the intensive treadmill
program and the traditional treadmill program following a stroke.
The patients who followed a rigorous regimen reported more than
a 50 percent walking improvement compared to only a 12 percent
enhancement in the traditional therapy group.
The underlining
findings of the study showed that longer spans of rehabilitation
could substantially benefit patients recovering from a stroke.
At present date, although there are not any clearly defined
guidelines stroke rehabilitation generally lasts only the first
few weeks. It involves moderate physical exertion and concentrates
on familiarizing the patient with regular everyday tasks.
In summation,
the findings of the clinical trial showed that extended therapy
with progressive intensity is more advantageous stroke rehabilitation.
|
