보행기능에 맞춘 자가운동 프로그램이 뇌졸중 환자의 근력 및 보행기능에 미치는 영향

Effects of the Customized Self-Exercise Program on Muscle Strength and Walking Function in Stroke Patients

Background: Stroke is one of the most common diseases responsible for physical disabilities. In addition to their physical and occupational therapy, the self-exercise programs were developed for patients with hemiplegia to increase the intensity of their therapeutic exercise. Objects: The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of a customized self-exercise program (CSP) to walking function on improving stroke survivors’ muscle strength and ambulation function. Method: To test the effect of the self-exercise program, the following tests were conducted: The functional ambulation category (FAC), Tinetti performance-oriented mobility assessment gait part (POMA-G), timed up and go (TUG), 10-meter walk, and 2-minute walk. The study included 161 consenting stroke patients (FAC score>1) from a randomized, screened sample of 217. The CSP group participated in a 30-minute CSP each day for 10 weeks in addition to completing a routine rehabilitation program. The control group received only a routine rehabilitation program. All the subjects were monitored by a therapist once a week and had to submit an exercise checklist at the end of each session. Result: The strength of the participants’ upper and lower extremity muscles showed no significant differences between the CSP group and the control group. The FAC score and POMA-G also showed no significant differences. However, there were significant differences in the TUG, 10-meter walk test, and 2-minute walk test (p<.05). Conclusion: The findings of this study suggest that a CSP may improve gait-related function in stroke survivors.