THERAPY-Magazin
Circuit therapy
Meta-analysis confirms effectiveness of circuit training to improve mobility and balance in stroke patients
Jakob Tiebel
Health Business Consultant
Background
Various evidence-based interventions are proposed for the treatment of neurological dysfunctions in stroke patients. However, there is hardly any clear evidence for the effectiveness of exercises in a training circuit. By definition, circuit training is to be understood as an overall programme to improve strength, endurance, balance and other bodily functions.
Various evidence-based interventions are proposed for the treatment of neurological dysfunctions in stroke patients. However, there is hardly any clear evidence for the effectiveness of exercises in a training circuit. By definition, circuit training is to be understood as an overall programme to improve strength, endurance, balance and other bodily functions.
Goal and methods
The aim of a review with meta-analysis published in 2018 by Ana Clara Bonini-Rocha's working group at the School of Physical Therapy, University of Brasilia was to investigate the effectiveness of circulatory circuit training for the treatment of mobility disorders in stroke patients. The scientists conducted a systematic literature search to identify controlled clinical trials. The standardised mean value differences (SMD) of the point estimators with their 95% confidence intervals were determined. The studies were evaluated by two independent experts.
The aim of a review with meta-analysis published in 2018 by Ana Clara Bonini-Rocha's working group at the School of Physical Therapy, University of Brasilia was to investigate the effectiveness of circulatory circuit training for the treatment of mobility disorders in stroke patients. The scientists conducted a systematic literature search to identify controlled clinical trials. The standardised mean value differences (SMD) of the point estimators with their 95% confidence intervals were determined. The studies were evaluated by two independent experts.
Results and conclusion
Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and eight presented suitable data to perform a meta-analysis. According to the analysis, circuit training is more effective in terms of walking speed than conventional therapy (mean difference of 0.11 m/s). With regard to balance and functional mobility, no significant advantages of circuit training compared to conventional therapy could be demonstrated. The researchers evaluate the results with evidence level I.
Eleven studies met the inclusion criteria and eight presented suitable data to perform a meta-analysis. According to the analysis, circuit training is more effective in terms of walking speed than conventional therapy (mean difference of 0.11 m/s). With regard to balance and functional mobility, no significant advantages of circuit training compared to conventional therapy could be demonstrated. The researchers evaluate the results with evidence level I.
Comments
Although clinically relevant benefits of circuit training have only been demonstrated in terms of walking speed, it can also be considered as a proven intervention in terms of other outcome parameters (balance, mobility). Experience has shown that the required increase in therapy intensity can be better implemented in such a setting than in conventional forms of therapy. It is therefore essential to pay more attention to circuit training, which can also be carried out effectively in a group, in order to improve the mobility of stroke patients in the long term.
Although clinically relevant benefits of circuit training have only been demonstrated in terms of walking speed, it can also be considered as a proven intervention in terms of other outcome parameters (balance, mobility). Experience has shown that the required increase in therapy intensity can be better implemented in such a setting than in conventional forms of therapy. It is therefore essential to pay more attention to circuit training, which can also be carried out effectively in a group, in order to improve the mobility of stroke patients in the long term.
Jakob Tiebel
Health Business Consultant
Jakob Tiebel is OT and studied applied psychology with a focus on health economics. He has clinical expertise from his previous therapeutic work in neurorehabilitation. He conducts research and publishes on the theory-practice transfer in neurorehabilitation and is the owner of an agency for digital health marketing.
References:
- ORIGINAL WORK Bonini-Rocha AC et al. (2018). Effectiveness of Circuit-Based Exercises on Gait Speed, Balance, and Functional Mobility in People Affected by Stroke: A Meta-Analysis. PM&R, 10: 398-409 doi:10.1016/j.pmrj.2017.09.014
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