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An exploratory randomized controlled trial of assisted practice for improving sit-to-stand in stroke patients in the hospital setting

North Bristol NHS Trust, Bristol

Nigel Harris

Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, Bath

Ailie Turton

Department of Experimental Psychology, University of Bristol, Bristol, UK, ailie.turton{at}bristol.ac.uk

Objectives: To evaluate the amount of practice achieved and assess potential for effects on performance of 30 minutes of daily training in sit-to-stand.

Design: Randomized controlled pilot study.

Setting: Stroke rehabilitation unit, UK.

Participants: Eighteen stroke patients needing `stand by' help to sit-to-stand.

Interventions: In addition to usual rehabilitation the experimental group (n = 9) practised sit-to-stand and leg strengthening exercises for 30 minutes, on weekdays for two weeks, with a physiotherapy assistant. The control group received arm therapy.

Main outcome measures: Frequency of sit-to-stands per day. Performance measures: rise time, weight taken through the affected foot at `thighs off', number of attempts needed to achieve three successful sit-to-stands and the number of sit-to-stands performed in 60 seconds. Outcome was measured one and two weeks after baseline assessment.

Results: Sit-to-stand frequency averaged 18 per day. Thirty minutes of practice in sit-to-stand resulted in a mean of 50 (SD 17.2) extra stands per day. There was a significant mean difference of 10% body weight taken through the affected foot after one week of intervention: The control group had reduced weight through the affected leg while the training group increased weight (F_1,16 = 11.1, P= 0.004, 95% confidence interval (CI) -16.61 to -3.72). No significant differences between groups were found on other measures. Results two weeks after baseline were inconclusive due to loss of five participants.

Conclusions: Task-specific practice given for 30 minutes a day appears promising for patients learning to sit-to-stand.

Clinical Rehabilitation, Vol. 22, No. 5, 458-468 (2008)
DOI: 10.1177/0269215507084644


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