02218nas a2200205   4500000000100000008004100001100002600042700002000068700001400088700001500102700002200117700001200139700001500151700001200166700001400178245010800192250001500300520165100315020004601966       2012                            d1 aSherrington Catherine1 aO'Rourke Sandra1 aRissel C.1 aSharkey M.1 aKirkham Catherine1 aLord S.1 aCumming R.1 aDean C.1 aBarker R.00aExercise to enhance mobility and prevent falls after stroke: the community stroke club randomised trial  a2012/05/013 a<p>
<strong>BACKGROUND: </strong>
</p>

<p>
Exercise interventions can enhance mobility after stroke as well as prevent falls in elderly persons.
</p>

<p>
<strong>OBJECTIVE: </strong>
</p>

<p>
Investigate whether an exercise intervention can enhance mobility, prevent falls, and increase physical activity among community-dwelling people after stroke.
</p>

<p>
<strong>METHOD: </strong>
</p>

<p>
A randomized trial with blinding of physical outcome assessment was conducted through local stroke clubs. Both groups, on average 5.9 years poststroke, received exercise classes, advice, and a home program for 12 months. The experimental group (EG) program (n = 76) aimed to improve walking, prevent falls and increase physical activity. The control group (CG) program (n = 75) aimed to improve upper-limb and cognitive functions. The primary outcomes were walking capacity, walking speed measured before and after the intervention, and fall rates monitored monthly.
</p>

<p>
<strong>RESULTS: </strong>
</p>

<p>
At 12 months, the EG walked 34 m further in 6 minutes (95% confidence interval [CI] = 19-50; P &lt; .001) and 0.07 m/s faster over 10 m (95% CI = 0.01-0.14; P = .03) than the CG. The EG had 129 falls, and the CG had 133. There were no differences in proportion of fallers (relative risk = 1.22; 95% CI = 0.91-1.62; P = .19) or the rate of falls between groups (incidence rate ratio = 0.96; 95% CI = 0.59-1.51; P = .88).
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<p>
<strong>CONCLUSION: </strong>
</p>

<p>
The experimental intervention delivered through stroke clubs enhanced aspects of mobility but had no effect on falls.
</p>
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