Article

OBJECTIVE: To determine the effectiveness of sit-to-stand training in individuals
with stroke. DESIGN: Randomized controlled trial. SETTING: Rehabilitation medical
centre. PARTICIPANTS:
Thirty-two subjects with stroke were randomly assigned to
the control and experimental groups (n = 16 for each group). INTERVENTIONS:
Subjects in both groups received 30 minutes of general physical therapy three
times a week for four weeks. Subjects in the experimental group received
additional sit-to-stand training for 15 minutes each time. The total amount of
therapy received was 45 minutes in the experimental group and 30 minutes in the
control group each time. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: The weight-bearing distribution
during quiet standing, the directional control and maximal excursion during
limits of stability test, the scores of Berg Balance Scale and the extensor
muscle strength of lower extremity were assessed before and after completing the
12 treatment sessions. RESULTS: Our data showed significant improvements in
directional control anteriorly in the experimental group (from 47.4 (36.6)% to
62.6 (26.1)%) compared with the control group (from 68.7 (16.7)% to 62.8 (29.7)%)
(P = 0.028). A significant improvement in affected hip extensor strength was
noted in the experimental group (from 19.3 (9.8)% to 22.6 (8.4)%) compared with
the control group (from 24.4 (9.0)% to 22.8 (7.2)%) (P = 0.006). Significant
improvements were noted only in the experimental group after treatment, including
bilateral extensors, except the affected plantar flexors, the weight distribution
in standing, the maximal excursion (P(anterior) = 0.049;
P(affected) = 0.023) and
the directional control (P(affected) = 0.013; P(non-affected) = 0.025).
CONCLUSIONS: Additional sit-to-stand training is encouraged due to effects on
dynamic balance and extensor muscles strength in subjects with stroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS