Stroke and Neurological Disorders

The aim was to determine whether strengthening of the lower limbs can improve strength, balance and walking abilities in patients with chronic stroke. This study was to observe the influence of continious pasiive motion and ilates training on balance ,walking and quality of life in chronic stroke (hemiparetic)patients. Forty-six chronic stroke patients participated in this study. They were divided into same number of work group (WG) and control group (CG) A 16-week (3 days/week) program consisting of a warm-up, 25 minutes continious passive motion(CPM) and 15 minutes pilates exercises,  ool-down. Control group subjects received only routine exercises of   hysiotherapy Before the training, the patients were evaluated using the balance Berg and MMSE tests, 5 repetition sit-to-stand test (STST), Stroke Impact Scale (SIS),spasticity(Aschworthpeterson scale) This study demonstrated that individuals with chronic stroke whose lower extremity function is compromised in a normal gravity environment can perform reaching and drawing movements while using CPM and pilates exercises. By comparison of the results before and after intervention, these chronic stroke patients presented significant reduction in balance Berg and MMSE tests, 5 repetition sit-to-stand test (STST), Stroke Impact Scale and 10-minute walking speed (p<0.01) The findings provide initial evidence that CPM and Pilates exercise can enhance balance, walking abilities, quality of life in patients

with chronic stroke.