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.
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