Article

OBJECTIVE: To examine the effectiveness of group circuit class therapy for
improving the mobility of adults after stroke.
DESIGN: Cochrane systematic
review. METHODS: A comprehensive search strategy was used to find randomized and
quasi-randomized controlled trials of adults post-stroke receiving circuit class
therapy. Two authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed the
methodological rigor and extracted data. RESULTS:
Six trials were included,
involving 292 participants; most were community-dwelling survivors who were able
to walk independently. Circuit class therapy was effective in improving walking
ability (6-minute walk test mean difference, 76.6 m, 95% confidence interval
38.4-114.7, walking speed mean difference 0.12 m/s, 95% confidence interval
0-0.24) and balance (step test mean difference 3.0 steps, 95% confidence interval
0.08-5.9, activities specific balance confidence mean difference 7.76 points, 95%
confidence interval 0.66-14.9). Other balance measures did not show a difference
in effect. Results from two studies suggest that circuit class therapy can reduce
length of hospital stay (mean difference -19.7 days, 95% confidence interval
-35.4 to -4.0). Two studies measured adverse events (falls); all were minor.
CONCLUSION: Circuit class therapy is safe and effective in improving mobility in
people after stroke and, when provided as part of hospital-based rehabilitation,
may reduce length of stay.

Langue : ANGLAIS