Republished research: Effects of circuit training as alternative to usual physiotherapy after stroke: randomised controlled trial

Study question What is the effect of task oriented circuit training compared with usual physiotherapy in terms of self reported walking competency for patients with stroke discharged from a rehabilitation centre to their own home? Summary answer Task oriented circuit training started in the first six months is as effective as individually tailored physiotherapy for patients with moderate to mild stroke and allows patients to exercise more intensively with a lower ratio of staff to patients. What is known and what this paper adds in patients with stroke, group circuit training is safe and has good results in terms of walking distance and walking speed. Previous trials, however, have been conducted in patients with chronic stroke, were small, and failed to follow up adequately. Though significant treatment effects favouring task specific circuit training were found for walking distance, walking speed, and stair walking, the differences between groups were small and the sustainability of effects was limited.