Introduction
Circuit training, also referred to as circuit therapy and circuit class therapy, comprises repetitive practice of task-specific exercises and activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
. Participants typically perform progressive functional exercises as a series of workstations or individualized exercises. Circuit training commonly addresses goals relating to improved mobility and/or use of the affected upper extremity. Circuit training can be performed individually or in a group setting (at least 2 participants per therapist). The group format is believed to be advantageous as it allows participants to observe others completing similar movements or exercises, and the social element may also aide compliance (English & Hillier, 2010).
Patient/Family Information
What is circuit training?
Circuit training is a form of training that uses repetitive exercises based on real-life activities. Exercises are performed in a ‘circuit’ of workstations or as a series of individual movements. Circuit training exercises are used to improve physical abilities such as balance, strength, mobility or coordination. Circuit training can be done in small groups or one-to-one.
Why use circuit training after a stroke?
It is common to need rehabilitation after a stroke. Circuit training can be used as well as, or instead of, traditional rehabilitation to improve physical abilities. Circuit training can be used at all stages of stroke recovery – from the acute phase (approximately 1 month after the stroke) through to the chronic phase (6 or more months post-stroke). Your rehabilitation specialist can choose activities that suit your stage of recovery and rehabilitation goals. Activities can be made more or less difficult, depending on your ability. Furthermore, circuit training can be done in groups, which can benefit motivation and social interactions.
Is circuit training effective after a stroke?
Current research shows that circuit training is at least as effective as traditional rehabilitation for improving most physical abilities. In fact, many studies show that circuit training is more effective than regular rehabilitation for some outcomes. Circuit training is also shown to be as effective as traditional rehabilitation methods for improving emotional wellbeing, quality of life and cognitive function.
Are there different kinds of circuit training?
Circuit training can be used to improve different physical skills such as mobility, balance, and function (i.e. use) of the arms and legs. Different exercises can be chosen by the rehabilitation clinician to suit the patient’s rehabilitation needs. Circuit training can be done individually or in a small group. The format of circuit training will be determined by the rehabilitation centre.
Are there risks or side effects?
If you are medically cleared to participate in physical rehabilitation after your stroke, there are no specific risks or side effects associated with circuit training. It is very important that the circuit training program be developed by a qualified professional to suit the person’s rehabilitation goals and level of ability. High quality studies have shown that circuit training is not associated with a higher risk of falls than other forms of rehabilitation.
Who provides circuit training?
Circuit training is often provided by physiotherapists, but can also be provided by occupational therapists, kinesiologists, or other qualified professionals. Group circuit training programs may have more than one therapist or therapy assistant, according to the number of participants. Circuit training can be provided in inpatient or outpatient settings such as acute care hospitals and rehabilitation centers.
How much does it cost?
The cost of circuit training depends on public health or insurance policies. In Canada, costs are covered if you are receiving care in a rehabilitation setting that offers this form of treatment. If you are receiving private rehabilitation, it is important to verify that your insurance covers circuit training.
How long does it take?
In the studies reviewed, circuit training was provided for 3 to 6 weeks (most commonly 4 weeks duration). Circuit training was provided for approximately 30-60 minutes per session, and sessions were provided 3 to 5 times per week. In real life rehabilitation settings, the frequency and duration of circuit training may vary from these timeframes. Sessions are often shorter and more frequent in the early stages of stroke recovery (i.e. 1-6 months post-stroke). Sessions can be affected by the individual’s wellness, and their ability to tolerate exercise. Circuit training may end when the person reaches their rehabilitation goals (e.g. being able to return home safely). Other factors such as organisation of care or individual medical restrictions can also affect the duration of treatment.
Is circuit training for me?
Circuit training is a feasible form of rehabilitation to help recover and improve physical ability after a strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. Speak with your rehabilitation specialists to decide if circuit training is suitable for you.
Clinician Information
Note: When reviewing the findings, it is important to note that they are always made according to randomized clinical trial (RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness.) criteria – specifically as compared to a control group. To clarify, if a treatment is “effective” it implies that it is more effective than the control treatment to which it was compared. Non-randomized studies are no longer included when there is sufficient research to indicate strong evidence (level 1a) for an outcome.
A total of 25 studies (15 high quality RCTs, five fair quality RCTs, two poor quality RCTs and three non-randomized studies) that investigate the use of circuit training in post-stroke rehabilitation were reviewed in this StrokEngine module. Circuit training programs were typically oriented towards lower limb impairment and included functional tasks relating to mobility such as balance, transfers, walking, stepping and using stairs. Frequency of circuit training intervention programs varied from 30 to 180 minutes/day, 3 to 7 days/week, for 2 to 52 weeks duration. Control groups included standard care, upper extremity circuit training, non-task-specific upper or lower extremity rehabilitation, gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
training, individual task-oriented exercise, neurodevelopmental treatment, individual physiotherapy, cognition training, stretching/weight-shifting exercises, social and educational classes, stretching or no rehabilitation.
A recent Cochrane review on circuit class therapy (English, Hillier & Lynch, 2017) that comprised 17 RCTs or controlled clinical trials reported statistically significant differences in favour of circuit training compared to control interventions for walking endurance, gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
speed, gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
cadence, mobility, balance confidence, physical strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes, fitness and daily physical activity. The review concluded that circuit training is effective for improving walking after strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. regardless of time since strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain., and that it may be effective for improving cardiorespiratory fitness and increasing daily physical activity. All but three of the 17 RCTs from the Cochrane review met criteria for inclusion in this StrokEngine module. A subsequent meta-analysisMethod in which the results of two or more studies are statistically combined. Typically used when studies have few subjects, but similar designs. By increasing the available number of subjects, more weight can be given to the findings.
by Bonini-Rocha et al. (2018) conducted a quantitative analysis of eight RCTs (seven of the studies were considered suitable for inclusion in this StrokEngine module; six of the studies were included in the 2017 Cochrane review by English, Hillier & Lynch). This meta-analysisMethod in which the results of two or more studies are statistically combined. Typically used when studies have few subjects, but similar designs. By increasing the available number of subjects, more weight can be given to the findings.
reported that circuit-based exercises focusing on balance and mobility showed statistically significant differences in gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
speed (but not balance and functional mobility) compared to control groups.
This StrokEngine module includes studies in which circuit training was provided to individuals or groups. Some circuit training programs included upper extremity activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
, whereas other studies used upper extremity circuit training as a control group. Accordingly, effort has been made to draw comparisons between (i) circuit training and control interventions, and (ii) lower extremity circuit training and upper extremity circuit training.
Overall, circuit training was found to be more effective than control treatments for improving upper extremity motor activity and walking speed in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery; gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
impairment, gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameters and walking independence in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery; and balance/falls, cognitive function, gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameters, lower extremity muscle strength and walking endurance in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. While circuit training was not more effective than control treatments for other outcomes, it was in most instances as effective as them. This indicates that circuit training can be considered as a potentially cost-effective option that results in comparable outcomes to conventional interventions.
Comparison of upper extremity (UE) circuit training and lower extremity (LE) circuit training in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery showed that UE circuit training was more effective than LE circuit training for improving dexterity, whereas LE/mobility circuit training was more effective than UE circuit training for improving balance, mobility and walking endurance. Similarly, in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery LE circuit training was more effective than UE circuit training for improving balance, transfers, walking endurance and walking speed.
Results Table
View results table
Outcomes
Acute Phase
One non-randomized study (Rose et al., 2011) investigated the effect of circuit training on balance in patients the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This non-randomized feasibility study assigned patients to receive individual lower extremity circuit training or conventional physiotherapy during hospital stay. Balance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale at discharge (average length of stay 19 days). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2b) from one non-randomized study that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (conventional physiotherapy) for improving balance in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Functional independence
Not effective
2B
One non-randomized study (Rose et al., 2011) investigated the effect of circuit training on functional independence in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This non-randomized feasibility study assigned patients to receive individual lower extremity circuit training or conventional physiotherapy during hospital stay (average length of stay 19 days). Functional independence was measured by a phone version of the Functional Independence Measure (FONE-FIM) at follow-up (90 days post-stroke). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2b) from one non-randomized study that circuit training is not more effective, in long term, than a comparison intervention (conventional physiotherapy) for improving functional independence in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
One non-randomized study (Rose et al., 2011) investigated the effect of circuit training on mobility in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This non-randomized feasibility study assigned patients to receive individual lower extremity circuit training or conventional physiotherapy during hospital stay. Mobility was measured by the Transfers and Locomotion subscales of the Functional Independence Measure (FIM – Mobility score) at discharge (average length of stay 19 days). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2b) from one non-randomized study that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (conventional physiotherapy) for improving mobility in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Motor activity - upper extremity
Effective
2a
One fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Moon et al., 2018) investigated the effect of circuit training on upper extremity motor activity in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. randomized patients to receive upper extremity circuit training or neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT). Upper extremity motor activity was measured by the Motor Activity Log – Amount of Use (MAL-AOU) and – Quality of Movement (MAL-QOM) scores at post-treatment (4 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found on one measure (MAL-AOU) of the affected upper extremity in favour of circuit training vs. NDT.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2a) from one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is more effective than a comparison intervention (neurodevelopmental treatment) for improving one measure of the upper extremity motor activity in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Motor function - lower extremity
Not effective
2B
One non-randomized study (Rose et al., 2011) investigated the effect of circuit training on lower extremity motor function in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This non-randomized feasibility study assigned patients to receive individual lower extremity circuit training or conventional physiotherapy during hospital stay. Lower extremity motor function was measured by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment – Lower Extremity (FMA-LE motor score) at discharge (average length of stay 19 days). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2b) from one non-randomized study that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (conventional physiotherapy) for improving lower extremity motor function in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Motor function - upper extremity
Not effective
2a
One fair quality RCT (Moon et al., 2018) investigated the effect of circuit training on upper extremity motor function in patients in the acute phase of stroke recovery. This fair quality RCT randomized patients to receive upper extremity circuit training or neurodevelopmental treatment. Upper extremity motor function was measured by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment – Upper Extremity (FMA-UE – Shoulder/elbow/forearm, Wrist, Hand, Coordination and speed subtests) at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2a) from one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (neurodevelopmental treatment) for improving upper extremity motor function in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Sensory function - lower extremity
Not effective
2B
One non-randomized study (Rose et al., 2011) investigated the effect of circuit training on lower extremity sensory function in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This non-randomized feasibility study assigned patients to receive individual lower extremity circuit training or conventional physiotherapy during hospital stay. Lower extremity sensory function was measured by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment – Lower Extremity (FMA-LE sensory score) at discharge (average length of stay 19 days). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2b) from one non-randomized study that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (conventional physiotherapy) for improving lower extremity sensory function in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Stroke outcomes
Not Effective
2a
One fair quality RCT (Moon et al., 2018) and one non-randomized study (Rose et al., 2011) investigated the effect of circuit training on strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Moon et al., 2018) randomized patients to receive upper extremity circuit training or neurodevelopmental treatment (NDT). StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes were measured by the StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. Impact Scale (SIS – Strength, Hand function, ADLs, StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery, Total scores) at post-treatment (4 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found on one measure (SIS – Strength), in favour of circuit training vs. NDT.
The non-randomized feasibility study (Rose et al., 2011) assigned patients to receive individual lower extremity circuit training or conventional physiotherapy during hospital stay (average length of stay 19 days). StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes were measured by the SIS at follow-up (90 days post-stroke). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2a) from one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. and one non-randomized study that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (neurodevelopmental treatment, conventional physiotherapy) for improving strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Note: However, the fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found a significant between-group difference in strength, in favour of circuit training vs. neurodevelopmental treatment.
One non-randomized study (Rose et al., 2011) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking speed in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This non-randomized feasibility study assigned patients to receive individual lower extremity circuit training or conventional physiotherapy during hospital stay. Walking speed was measured by a 5-meter walk test at discharge (average length of stay 19 days). A significant between-group difference was found in favour of circuit training vs. conventional physiotherapy.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2b) from one non-randomized study that circuit training is more effective than a comparison intervention (conventional physiotherapy) for improving walking speed in patients in the acute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Subacute Phase
Activities of daily living
Conflicting
4
Three high quality RCTs (Verma et al., 2011; van de Port et al., 2012; Kim et al., 2016) investigated the effect of circuit training on ActivitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
of Daily Living (ADLs) in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Verma et al., 2011) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training + motor imagery or dose-matched conventional lower extremity rehabilitation using the Bobath approach for 2 weeks. ADLs were measured by the Barthel Index (BI –Toilet transfer, Transfer chair and bed, Ambulation, Stair climbing, Total scores) at follow-up only (6 weeks). Significant between-group differences were found (BI –Toilet transfer, Ambulation, Stair climbing, Total scores), in favour of circuit training vs. conventional lower extremity rehabilitation.
The second high quality RCT (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. ADLs were measured by the Nottingham Extended ActivitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
of Daily Living (NEADL – Mobility, Kitchen, Domestic, Leisure scores) at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found on one score (NEADL – Leisure) at post-treatment, in favour of conventional physiotherapy vs. circuit training. No significant between-group differences were found at follow-up.
The third high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Kim et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility and fitness circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. ADLs were measured by the modified Barthel Index (Korean version) at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is conflicting evidence (level 4) regarding the effect of circuit training on ActivitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
of Daily Living (ADLs) in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery). While one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found that circuit training + motor imagery was more effective than a comparison intervention (conventional lower extremity rehabilitation) on several measures of ADLs; another high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that used the same outcome measure found no significant difference between circuit training vs. conventional physiotherapy (in fact, this high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found that conventional physiotherapy was more effective than the circuit training). Furthermore, another high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found that circuit training was more effective than conventional physiotherapy on only one measure of ADLs.
Ambulation
Not effective
1a
Four high quality RCTs (Verma et al., 2011; van de Port et al., 2012; English et al., 2015; Renner et al., 2016) and one fair quality RCT (Kim, Jung & Lee, 2017) investigated the effect of circuit training on ambulation in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Verma et al., 2011) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training + motor imagery or dose-matched conventional lower extremity rehabilitation using the Bobath approach. Ambulation was measured by the Functional AmbulationThe ability to walk, with or without the aid of appropriate assistive devices (such as canes or walkers), safely and sufficiently to carry out mobility-related activities of daily living (ADLs). From Perry et al (1995), functional ambulation is referred to as walking in parallell bars for exercise at a speed of about 10/cm per second.
Categories (FAC) at post-treatment (2 weeks) and follow-up (6 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found at both time points, in favour of circuit training + motor imagery vs. conventional lower extremity rehabilitation.
The second high quality RCT (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Ambulation was measured using the FAC at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
The third high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (English et al., 2015) randomized patients to receive group circuit training, time-matched physiotherapy (5 days/week), or intensive physiotherapy (7 days/week). Ambulation was measured by the FAC at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group differences were found.
The fourth high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Renner et al., 2016), randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or individual progressive task training. Ambulation was measured by the FAC at post-treatment (6 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
The fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Kim, Jung & Lee, 2017) randomized patients receive group balance and gait circuit training or individual task-oriented lower extremity rehabilitation; both groups also received neurodevelopmental treatment. Ambulation was measured by the FAC at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from three high quality RCTs and one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (conventional physiotherapy, intensive physiotherapy, progressive task training, task-oriented lower extremity rehabilitation) for improving ambulation in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Note: However, one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found that circuit training with motor imagery was more effective than conventional lower extremity rehabilitation.
Three high quality RCTs (van de Port et al., 2012; Kim et al., 2016; Renner et al., 2016), one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Kim, Jung & Lee, 2017) and one non-randomized study (English et al., 2007) investigated the effect of circuit training on balance in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Balance was measured by the Timed Balance Test at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Kim et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility and fitness circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Balance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
The third high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Renner et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or individual progressive task training. Balance was measured by the Timed Balance Test at post-treatment (6 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
The fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Kim, Jung & Lee, 2017) randomized patients to receive group balance and gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
circuit training or individual task-oriented lower extremity rehabilitation; both groups also received neurodevelopmental treatment. Balance was measured by the BBS at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
The non-randomized study (English et al., 2007) assigned patients to receive group mobility and upper extremity circuit training or individual physiotherapy during inpatient rehabilitation (average length of stay 56 and 71 days, respectively). Balance was measured by the BBS at week 4 of rehabilitation, discharge from rehabilitation and 6 months post-stroke. No significant between-group difference was seen at any time point.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from three high quality RCTs, one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. and one non-randomized study that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (conventional physiotherapy, progressive task training, task-oriented lower extremity rehabilitation) for improving balance in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Emotional wellbeing
Not Effective
1a
Two high quality RCTs (van de Port et al., 2012; Renner et al., 2016) investigated the effect of circuit training on emotional wellbeing in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCT (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Emotional wellbeing was measured by the Hospital Anxiety and DepressionIllness involving the body, mood, and thoughts, that affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood or a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with a depressive disease cannot merely “pull themselves together” and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression.
Scale (HADS) at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Renner et al., 2016) randomized patients with subacute strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group mobility circuit training or individual progressive task training. Emotional wellbeing was measured by the HADS (Anxiety, DepressionIllness involving the body, mood, and thoughts, that affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood or a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with a depressive disease cannot merely “pull themselves together” and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression.
scales) at baseline and at post-treatment (6 weeks). A significant between-group difference in change scores from baseline to post-treatment was found on one measure of emotional wellbeing (HADS – Anxiety), in favour of progressive task training vs. circuit training.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from two high quality RCTs that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (physiotherapy, progressive task training) for improving emotional wellbeing in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Note: In fact, one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found a significant between-group difference in reduced anxiety, in favour of progressive task training vs. circuit training.
Two high quality RCTs (van de Port et al., 2012; Renner et al., 2016) investigated the effect of circuit training on falls and fear of falling in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Number of falls was measured during the treatment period and fear of falling was measured by the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES) at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). No significant between-group differences were found at either time point.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Renner et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit therapy or individual progressive task training. Fear of falling was measured by the FES at post-treatment (6 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from two high quality RCTs that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (physiotherapy, progressive task training) for reducing falls or improving fear of falling in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Two high quality RCTs (van de Port et al., 2012; Renner et al., 2016) investigated the effect of circuit training on fatigue in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCT (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Fatigue was measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
The second high quality RCT (Renner et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or individual progressive task training. Fatigue was measured by the Fatigue Severity Scale at post-treatment (6 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from two high quality RCTs that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (conventional physiotherapy, progressive task training) for improving fatigue in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Functional independence
Not effective
1b
One high quality RCT (English et al., 2015) investigated the effect of circuit training on functional independence in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This high quality RCT randomized patients to receive group circuit training, time-matched physiotherapy (5 days/week), or intensive physiotherapy (7 days/week). Functional independence was measured by the Functional Independence Measure (FIM) at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group differences were found.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (time-matched physiotherapy, intensive physiotherapy) for improving functional independence in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Gait impairment
Effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Verma et al., 2011) investigated the effect of circuit training on gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
impairment in patients in the subacute phase of stroke recovery. This high quality RCT randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training + motor imagery or dose-matched conventional lower extremity rehabilitation using the Bobath approach. GaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
impairment was measured by the Rivermead Visual GaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
Assessment at post-treatment (2 weeks) and follow-up (6 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found at both time points, in favour of circuit training vs. conventional lower extremity rehabilitation.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training + motor imagery is more effective than comparison intervention (conventional lower extremity rehabilitation) for reducing gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
impairment in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Gait parameters
Effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Verma et al., 2011) investigated the effect of circuit training on gait parameters in patients in the subacute phase of stroke recovery. This high quality RCT randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training + motor imagery or dose-matched conventional lower extremity rehabilitation using the Bobath approach. Gait parameters (cadence, step length asymmetry, stride length asymmetry) were measured at post-treatment (2 weeks) and follow-up (6 weeks). A significant between-group difference in one measure only (cadence) was found at both time points, in favour of circuit training vs. conventional lower extremity rehabilitation.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training + motor imagery is more effective than a comparison intervention (conventional lower extremity rehabilitation) for improving one gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameter (cadence) in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Note: There was no between-group difference in other gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameters (step/stride length asymmetry).
Health-related quality of life
Not effective
1b
One high quality RCT (English et al., 2015) investigated the effect of circuit training on health related quality of life in patients in the subacute phase of stroke recovery. This high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. randomized patients to receive group circuit training, time-matched physiotherapy (5 days/week), or intensive physiotherapy (7 days/week). Health-related quality of life was measured by the Australian Quality of Life scale (AQoL) at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (conventional physiotherapy, intensive physiotherapy) for improving health-related quality of life in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Two high quality RCTs (van de Port et al., 2012; Renner et al., 2016) and one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Kim, Jung & Lee, 2017) investigated the effect of circuit training on mobility in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCT (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Mobility was measured by the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Renner et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or individual progressive task training. Mobility was measured by the RMI, TUG and Chair Stand-up test at post-treatment (6 weeks). No significant between-group differences were found.
The fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Kim, Jung & Lee, 2017) randomized patients to receive group balance and gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
circuit training or individual task-oriented lower extremity rehabilitation; both groups also received neurodevelopmental treatment. Mobility was measured by the TUG at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from two high quality RCTs and one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (conventional physiotherapy, progressive task training, task-oriented lower extremity rehabilitation) for improving mobility in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Motor function - lower extremity
Not Effective
1a
Three high quality RCTs (van de Port et al., 2012; Kim et al., 2016; Renner et al., 2016) investigated the effect of circuit training on lower extremity motor function in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Lower extremity motor function was measured by the Motricity Index (MI – Leg score) at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Kim et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility and fitness circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Lower extremity motor function was measured by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA – Lower Extremity) at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
The third high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Renner et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or individual progressive task training. Lower extremity motor function was measured by the Motricity Index (MI – Leg score) at post-treatment (6 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from three high quality RCTs that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (conventional physiotherapy, progressive task training) for improving lower extremity motor function in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Motor function - upper extremity
Not Effective
1a
Three high quality RCTs (van de Port et al.,2012; English et al., 2015; Renner et al., 2016) and one non-randomized study (English et al., 2007) investigated the effect of circuit training on upper extremity motor function in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Upper extremity motor function was measured by the Motricity Index (MI – Arm score) at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (English et al., 2015) randomized patients to receive group circuit training, time-matched physiotherapy (5 days/week), or intensive physiotherapy (7 days/week). Upper extremity motor function was measured by the Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
The third high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Renner et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or individual progressive task training. Upper extremity motor function was measured by the Motricity Index (MI – Arm score) at post-treatment (6 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
The non-randomized study (English et al., 2007) assigned patients to receive group mobility and upper extremity circuit training or individual physiotherapy during inpatient rehabilitation (average length of stay 56 and 71 days, respectively). Upper extremity motor function was measured by the Motor Assessment Scale (MAS – Upper limb subscore) at week 4 of rehabilitation, discharge from rehabilitation and 6 months post-stroke. No significant between-group difference was found at any time point.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from three high quality RCTs and one non-randomized study that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (conventional physiotherapy, intensive physiotherapy, progressive task training) for improving upper extremity motor function in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Satisfaction
Not effective
2B
One non-randomized study (English et al., 2007) investigated the effect of circuit training on satisfaction in patients in the subacute phase of stroke recovery. This non-randomized study assigned patients to receive group mobility and upper extremity circuit training or individual physiotherapy during inpatient rehabilitation. Patient satisfaction was measured by an adapted version of the Pound Scale at week 4 of rehabilitation, on discharge from rehabilitation and at follow-up (6 months post-stroke). A significant between-group difference in patients’ satisfaction with the amount of therapy received was found at 6-month follow-up only, in favour of circuit training vs. physiotherapy.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2b) from one non-randomized study that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (conventional physiotherapy) for improving patient satisfaction in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Note: However, this non-randomized study found a significant between-group difference in patient satisfaction with amount of physiotherapy received at 6 months post-stroke, in favour of circuit training.
Shoulder pain
Not effective
2b
One non-randomized study (English, Hillier & Stiller, 2008) investigated the effect of circuit training on shoulder pain in patients in the subacute phase of stroke recovery. This non-randomized study assigned patients to receive group mobility and upper extremity circuit training or individual physiotherapy during inpatient rehabilitation. Shoulder pain was measured according to incidence (yes/no response) and severity (visual analogue scale) at week 4 of rehabilitation and on discharge from rehabilitation. No significant between-group differences in incidence or severity of shoulder pain were found at either time point.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2b) from one non-randomized study that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (conventional physiotherapy) for reducing incidence or severity of shoulder pain in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Stair competence
Conflicting
4
Two high quality RCTs (van de Port et al., 2012; Renner et al., 2016) investigated the effect of circuit training on stair competence in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCT (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Stair competence was measured by the Modified Stairs Test at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found at post-treatment, in favour of circuit training vs. conventional physiotherapy. Differences did not remain significant at follow-up.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Renner et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or individual progressive task training. Stairs competence was measured by the Modified Stairs Test at the baseline and at post-treatment (6 weeks). A significant between-group difference in change scores from baseline to post-treatment was found, in favour of progressive task training vs. circuit training.
Conclusion: There is conflicting evidence (level 4) regarding the effect of circuit training on stair competence in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. While one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found that circuit training was more effective than conventional physiotherapy, another high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found that progressive task training was more effective than circuit training.
Stroke Outcomes
Not Effective
1a
Three high quality RCTs (van de Port et al., 2012; English et al., 2015; Renner et al., 2016) investigated the effect of circuit training on strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes were measured using the StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. Impact Scale (SIS – Mobility, Strength, Memory and thinking, Mood/Emotion, Communication, ADL/IADLs, Hand function, Participation, Stroke recovery scores) at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). A significant between-group difference in one measure (SIS – Memory and thinking) was found at post-treatment, in favour of conventional physiotherapy vs. circuit training. Differences did not remain significant at follow-up.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (English et al., 2015) randomized patients with subacute strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group circuit training, time-matched physiotherapy (5 days/week), or intensive physiotherapy (7 days/week). StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes were measured using the SIS (Physical subscaleMany measurement instruments are multidimensional and are designed to measure more than one construct or more than one domain of a single construct. In such instances subscales can be constructed in which the various items from a scale are grouped into subscales. Although a subscale could consist of a single item, in most cases subscales consist of multiple individual items that have been combined into a composite score (National Multiple Sclerosis Society).
) at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group differences were found.
The third high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Renner et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or individual progressive task training. StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes were measured using the SIS (Mobility, Strength, Memory and thinking, Mood/Emotion, Communication, ADL/IADLs, Hand function, ParticipationAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, participation is an individual’s involvement in life situations in relation to health conditions, body functions or structures, activities, and contextual factors. Participation restrictions are problems an individual may have in the manner or extent of involvement in life situations., StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery scores) at post-treatment (6 weeks). No significant between-group differences were found.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from three high quality RCTs that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (conventional physiotherapy, intensive physiotherapy, progressive task training) for improving strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Note: In fact, one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found that conventional physiotherapy was more effective than circuit training on one measure (SIS – Memory and thinking).
Unilateral spatial neglect
Not Effective
1a
Two high quality RCTs (van de Port et al., 2012; Renner et al., 2016) investigated the effect of circuit training on unilateral spatial neglect in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCT (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Unilateral spatial neglect was measured by the Letter Cancellation Task at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Renner et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or individual progressive task training. Unilateral spatial neglect was measured by the Letter Cancellation Task at post-treatment (6 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from two high quality RCTs that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (conventional physiotherapy, progressive task training) for improving unilateral spatial neglect in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Walking endurance
Conflicting
4
Five high quality RCTs (Verma et al., 2011; van de Port et al., 2012; English et al., 2015; Kim et al., 2016; Renner et al., 2016), one fair quality RCT (Kim, Jung & Lee, 2017) and one non-randomized study (English et al., 2007) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking endurance in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Verma et al., 2011) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training + motor imagery or dose-matched conventional lower extremity rehabilitation using the Bobath approach. Walking endurance was measured by the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) at post-treatment (2 weeks) and follow-up (6 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found at both time points, in favour of circuit training vs. conventional lower extremity rehabilitation.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Walking endurance was measured by the 6MWT at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found at post-treatment, in favour of circuit training vs. conventional physiotherapy. Differences did not remain significant at follow-up.
The third high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (English et al., 2015) randomized patients to receive group circuit training, time-matched physiotherapy (5 days/week), or intensive physiotherapy (7 days/week). Walking endurance was measured by the 6MWT at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group differences were found.
The fourth high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Kim et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility and fitness circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Walking endurance was measured by the 6MWT at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
The fifth high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Renner et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or individual progressive task training. Walking endurance was measured by the 6MWT at post-treatment (6 weeks). There was a significant between-group difference in the proportion of participants who showed a clinically relevant improvement (i.e. 6MWT change score ≥ 54), in favour of circuit training vs. progressive task training.
The fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Kim, Jung & Lee, 2017) randomized patients to receive group balance and gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
circuit training or individual task-oriented lower extremity rehabilitation; both groups also received neuro-developmental treatment. Walking endurance was measured by the 6MWT at post-treatment (4 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found in favour of circuit training vs. task-oriented lower extremity rehabilitation.
The non-randomized study (English et al., 2007) assigned patients to receive group mobility and upper extremity circuit training or individual physiotherapy during inpatient rehabilitation. Functional walking capacity was measured by the Two Minute Walk Test at week 4 of rehabilitation, on discharge from rehabilitation, and at follow-up (6 months post-stroke). A significant between-group difference was seen at follow-up only, in favour of group mobility and upper extremity circuit training vs. individual physiotherapy.
Conclusion: There is conflicting evidence (level 4) regarding the effect of circuit training on walking endurance in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. While three high quality RCTs and one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found that circuit training was more effective than comparison interventions (conventional lower extremity rehabilitation, conventional physiotherapy, progressive task training, task-oriented lower extremity rehabilitation), two high quality RCTs and one non-randomized study found that circuit training was not more effective than comparison interventions (intensive physiotherapy, conventional physiotherapy).
Note: The non-randomized study found a significant difference in walking endurance in favour of circuit training vs. individual physiotherapy at follow-up only.
Walking independence
Effective
2b
One non-randomized study (English et al., 2007) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking independence in patients in the subacute phase of stroke recovery. This non-randomized study assigned patients to receive group mobility and upper extremity circuit training or individual physiotherapy during inpatient rehabilitation. Walking independence was measured by the Iowa Level of Assistance Scale at week 4 of rehabilitation, on discharge from rehabilitation, and at follow-up (6 months post-stroke). A significant between-group difference in the proportion of patients who were able to walk independently was seen at discharge from rehabilitation, in favour of circuit training vs. physiotherapy.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2b) from one non-randomized study that circuit training is more effective than a comparison intervention (conventional physiotherapy) for improving walking independence in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Walking speed
Conflicting
4
Four high quality RCTs (Verma et al., 2011; van de Port et al., 2012; English et al., 2015; Renner et al., 2016) and one non-randomized study (English et al., 2007) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking speed in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Verma et al., 2011) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training + motor imagery or dose-matched conventional lower extremity rehabilitation using the Bobath approach. Walking speed was measured by the 10-meter walk test (comfortable walking speed, maximal effort) at post-treatment (2 weeks) and follow-up (6 weeks). A significant between-group difference in one measure (comfortable walking speed) was seen at both time points, in favour of circuit training vs. conventional lower extremity rehabilitation.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (van de Port et al., 2012) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or conventional physiotherapy. Walking speed was measured using the 5-meter walk test (comfortable walking speed) at post-treatment (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found at both time points, in favour of circuit training vs. conventional physiotherapy.
The third high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (English et al., 2015) randomized patients to receive group circuit training, time-matched physiotherapy (5 days/week), or intensive physiotherapy (7 days/week). Walking speed was measured by the 5-meter walk test at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group differences were found.
The fourth high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Renner et al., 2016) randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or individual progressive task training. Walking speed was measured by the 10-meter walk test (comfortable walking speed) at post-treatment (6 weeks). A significant between-group difference in the proportion of participants who showed a clinically relevant improvement (i.e. increase in comfortable walking speed ≥ 0.16m/s) was found at post-treatment, in favour of circuit training vs. progressive task training.
The non-randomized study (English et al., 2007) assigned patients to receive group mobility and upper extremity circuit training or individual physiotherapy during inpatient rehabilitation. Walking speed was measured by a 5 meter walk test at week 4 of rehabilitation, discharge from rehabilitation and follow-up (6 months post-stroke). No significant between-group difference was found at any time point.
Conclusion: There is conflicting evidence (level 4) regarding the effect of circuit training on walking speed in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. While three high quality RCTs found that circuit training was more effective than comparison interventions (conventional lower extremity rehabilitation, conventional physiotherapy, progressive task training), one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. and one non-randomized study found that circuit training was not more effective than comparison interventions (time-matched or intensive physiotherapy).
Subacute Phase: lower extremity vs. upper extremity circuit training
One high quality RCT (Blennerhassett & Dite, 2004) investigated the effect of circuit training on balance in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This high quality RCT randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Balance was measured by the Step Test at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (6 months); between-group differences were measured as treatment effect sizes using the effect size d. A moderate treatment effect sizeEffect size (ES) is a name given to a family of indices that measure the magnitude of a treatment effect. Unlike significance tests, these indices are independent of sample size. The ES is generally measured in two ways: as the standardized difference between two means, or as the correlation between the independent variable classification and the individual scores on the dependent variable. This correlation is called the “effect size correlation”.
was found at post-treatment, in favour of mobility circuit training vs. upper extremity circuit training. Differences did not remain significant at follow-up.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that mobility circuit training is more effective than upper extremity circuit training for improving balance in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
One high quality RCT (Blennerhassett & Dite, 2004) investigated the effect of circuit training on dexterity in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This high quality RCT randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Dexterity was measured by the Jebsen Taylor Hand Function Test at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (6 months); between-group differences were measured as treatment effect sizes using the effect size d. A moderate treatment effect size was found at post-treatment, in favour of upper extremity circuit training vs. mobility circuit training. Differences did not remain significant at follow-up.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that upper extremity circuit training is more effective than mobility circuit training for improving dexterity in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Un ECR de haute qualité (Blennerhassett & Dite, 2004) a examiné l’effet de l’entraînement en circuit sur l’équilibre de patients en phase subaiguë de récupération post-AVC. Cet ECR de haute qualité a assigné aléatoirement les patients pour recevoir un entraînement en circuit de la mobilité en groupe ou un entraînement en circuit du membre supérieur en groupe. La mobilité des patients a été mesurée à 4 semaines (après l’intervention) et à 6 mois (au moment d’un suivi) par le Timed Up and Go Test ; les différences entre les groupes ont été mesurées en calculant l’ampleur de l’effet d du traitement. Après l’intervention, une ampleur de l’effet modérée du traitement a été relevée en faveur de l’entraînement en circuit de la mobilité comparé à l’entraînement en circuit du membre supérieur. Cette différence ne s’est pas maintenue au moment du suivi.
Conclusion : Des données probantes modérées (niveau 1b), provenant d’un ECR de haute qualité, indiquent qu’un entraînement en circuit de la mobilité est plus efficace qu’un entraînement en circuit du membre supérieur pour améliorer la mobilité de patients en phase subaiguë de récupération post-AVC.
Motor function - upper extremity
Not Effective
1B
One high quality RCT (Blennerhassett & Dite, 2004) investigated the effect of circuit training on upper extremity motor function in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Upper extremity motor function was measured by the Motor Assessment Scale at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (6 months); between-group differences were not reported. The upper extremity circuit training group demonstrated significant improvements at either time point, whereas change scores for the mobility circuit training group were not significant at either time point.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that mobility circuit training is not more effective than upper extremity circuit training for improving upper extremity motor function in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Walking endurance
Effective
1B
One high quality RCT (Blennerhassett & Dite, 2004) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking endurance in patients in the subacute phase of stroke recovery. This high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. randomized patients to receive group mobility circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Walking endurance was measured by the 6 Minute Walk Test at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (6 months); between-group differences were measured as treatment effect sizes using the effect size d. A large treatment effect size was found at post-treatment, in favour of mobility circuit training vs. upper extremity circuit training. Differences did not remain significant at follow-up.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that mobility circuit training is more effective than upper extremity circuit training for improving walking endurance in patients in the subacute phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.raining for improving walking endurance of patients with subacute strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
Chronic Phase
Activity participation
Not Effective
1B
One high quality RCT (Pang et al., 2005) investigated the effect of circuit training on activity participationAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, participation is an individual’s involvement in life situations in relation to health conditions, body functions or structures, activities, and contextual factors. Participation restrictions are problems an individual may have in the manner or extent of involvement in life situations. in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery. This high quality RCT randomized patients to receive the Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) group circuit training program or a seated upper extremity exercise program. Activity participationAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, participation is an individual’s involvement in life situations in relation to health conditions, body functions or structures, activities, and contextual factors. Participation restrictions are problems an individual may have in the manner or extent of involvement in life situations. was measured by the Physical Activity Scale for Individuals with Physical Disability at post-treatment (19 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (seated upper extremity exercise) for improving activity participationAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, participation is an individual’s involvement in life situations in relation to health conditions, body functions or structures, activities, and contextual factors. Participation restrictions are problems an individual may have in the manner or extent of involvement in life situations. in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery.
Four high quality RCTs (Pang et al., 2005; Marigold et al., 2005; Yang et al., 2006; Moore et al., 2015) and one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Park & Kim, 2016) investigated the effect of circuit training on balance in patients in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Pang et al., 2005) randomized patients to receive the Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) group circuit training program or a seated upper extremity exercise program. Balance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) at post-treatment (19 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
The second high quality RCT (Marigold et al., 2005) randomized patients to receive group agility circuit training or a stretching and weight-shifting exercise program. Balance was measured by the BBS at post-treatment (10 weeks) and follow-up (1 month post-treatment). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
The third high quality RCT (Yang et al., 2006) randomized patients to receive individual strength circuit training or no rehabilitation. Standing balance was measured by the Step Test at post-treatment (4 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found, in favour of circuit training vs. no rehabilitation.
The fourth high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Moore et al., 2015) randomized patients to receive group circuit training based on the FAME program or a time-matched home stretching program. Balance was measured using the BBS at post-treatment (19 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found in favour of circuit training vs. stretching.
The fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Park & Kim, 2016) randomized patients to receive individual gait circuit training or walking rehabilitation on a firm indoor surface. Balance was measured by the BBS at post-treatment (3 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found, in favour of circuit training vs. walking rehabilitation.
Conclusion: There is conflicting evidence (level 4) regarding the effect of circuit training on balance in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. While two high quality RCTs and one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found that circuit training was more effective than comparison groups (no rehabilitation, home stretching, walking rehabilitation), two high quality RCTs found that circuit training was not more effective than comparison interventions (seated upper extremity exercise program, stretching/weight-shifting exercise program).
Balance confidence
Not Effective
1A
Two high quality RCTs (Marigold et al., 2005; Mudge, Barber & Stott, 2009) investigated the effect of circuit training on balance confidence in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery.
The first high quality RCT (Marigold et al., 2005) randomized patients to receive group agility circuit training or a stretching and weight-shifting exercise program. Balance confidence was measured by the Activity-specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale at post-treatment (10 weeks) and follow-up (1 month post-treatment). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Mudge, Barber & Stott, 2009) randomized patients to receive group lower extremity circuit training or time-matched social/educational classes. Balance confidence was measured by the ABC Scale at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (3 months). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from two high quality RCTs that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (stretching and weight-shifting exercises, social/educational classes) for improving balance confidence in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Balance - falls
Effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Marigold et al., 2005) investigated the effect of circuit training on falls in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. randomized patients to receive group agility circuit training or a stretching and weight-shifting exercise program. Falls were measured (a) by the number of falls during platform translations, and (b) using a falls diary to record the number of self-reported community-based falls at post-treatment (10 weeks) and follow-up (1 month post-treatment). A significant between-group difference in one measure of falls (number of falls during platform translations) was found at post-treatment only, in favour of circuit training vs. stretching/weight-shifting exercises.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training is more effective than a comparison intervention (stretching/weight-shifting exercises) for reducing falls in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Note: No significant differences in community-based falls were found.
Cognitive function
Effective
1b
One high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Moore et al., 2015) investigated the effect of circuit training on cognitive function in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery. This high quality RCT randomized patients to receive group fitness and mobility circuit training based on the Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) program or a time-matched home stretching program. Cognitive function was measured by Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination – Revised at post-treatment (19 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found, in favour of circuit training vs. home stretching.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is more effective than a comparison intervention (home stretching) for improving cognitive function in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Gait parameters
Effective
1a
Two high quality RCTs (Marigold et al., 2005; Yang et al., 2006), one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Park & Kim, 2016) and one poor quality RCT (Song, Kim & Park, 2015) investigated the effect of circuit training on gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameters in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery.
The first high quality RCT (Marigold et al., 2005) randomized patients to receive group agility circuit training or a stretching and weight-shifting exercise program. GaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameters (step reaction time) were measured at post-treatment (10 weeks) and follow-up (1 month post-treatment). A significant between-group difference was seen at post-treatment, in favour of circuit training vs. stretching/weight-shifting exercises. Differences did not remain significant at follow-up.
Note: There was a significant between-group difference in step reaction time at baseline, which was entered as a covariate for statistical analysis.
The second high quality RCT (Yang et al., 2006) randomized patients to receive individual strength circuit training or no rehabilitation. GaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameters (gait velocity, cadence, stride length) were measured using the GAITRite system at post-treatment (4 weeks). Significant between-group differences were found for all gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameters, in favour of circuit training vs. no rehabilitation.
The fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Park & Kim, 2016) randomized patients to receive individual gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
circuit training or walking rehabilitation on a firm indoor surface. GaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameters (plantar prints percentage, hindfoot percentage, forefoot percentage, cadence) were measured by the Smart Step test at post-treatment (3 weeks). No significant between-group differences were found.
The poor quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Song, Kim & Park, 2015) randomized patients to receive individual upper extremity and mobility circuit training, group upper extremity and mobility circuit training, or no circuit training; all groups received conventional physiotherapy. GaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameters (velocity, cadence, stance phase symmetry profile, swing phase symmetry profile, step length symmetry profile) were measured by the GAITRite system at post-treatment (4 weeks). Significant between-group differences in two measures (velocity, cadence) were found, in favour of group circuit training vs. no training. A significant between-group difference in one measure (velocity) was seen in favour of individual circuit training vs. no training. There were no significant differences between group circuit training vs. individual circuit training.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from two high quality RCTs and one poor quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is more effective than comparison groups (stretching/weight-shifting exercises, no rehabilitation, conventional physiotherapy) for improving gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameters in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Note: However, one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found no significant difference between circuit training and indoors walking rehabilitation, using a difference outcome measure of gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameters.
Health-related quality of life - carers
Not Effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Marsden et al., 2010) investigated the effect of circuit training on health-related quality of life in carers in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This high quality cross-over RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. randomized patients and their carers to receive the Community Living After StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. for Survivors and Carers (CLASSiC*) programme or no intervention. Carers’ health-related quality of life was measured using the Health Impact Scale (Communication, Emotion, ADL/IADL, Hand function, Memory, Mobility, ParticipationAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, participation is an individual’s involvement in life situations in relation to health conditions, body functions or structures, activities, and contextual factors. Participation restrictions are problems an individual may have in the manner or extent of involvement in life situations., Strength, Composite Physical scores) at post-treatment (7 weeks) and follow-up (21 weeks). No significant between-group differences were found at either time point.
* The CLASSiC program comprised group lower extremity and balance circuit training, social discussion and stroke education sessions.
Note: This pilot study was not adequately powered to detect significant between-group differences.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training is not more effective than no specific intervention for improving health-related quality of life in carers of patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Health-related quality of life - patients
Not Effective
1B
One high quality RCT (Marigold et al., 2005) investigated the effect of circuit training on health-related quality of life in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery. This high quality RCT randomized patients to receive group agility circuit training or a stretching and weight-shifting exercise program. Health-related quality of life was measured by the Nottingham Health Profile at post-treatment (10 weeks) and follow-up (1 month post-treatment). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (stretching/weight-shifting exercises) for improving health-related quality of life in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery.
Mobility - carers
Not Effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Marsden et al., 2010) investigated the effect of circuit training on mobility among carers of chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. patients. This high quality cross-over RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. randomized patients and their carers to receive the Community Living After StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. for Survivors and Carers (CLASSiC*) programme or no intervention. Carer mobility was measured by the Timed Up and Go Test at post-treatment (7 weeks) and follow-up (21 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
* The CLASSiC program comprised group lower extremity and balance circuit training, social discussion and strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. education sessions.
Note: This pilot study was not adequately powered to detect significant between-group differences.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training is not more effective than no specific intervention for improving carers’ mobility of patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Mobility - patients
Conflicting
4
Four high quality RCTs (Marigold et al., 2005; Yang et al., 2006; Mudge, Barber & Stott, 2009; Marsden et al., 2010) and one fair quality RCT (Park & Kim, 2016) investigated the effect of circuit training on mobility in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Marigold et al., 2005) randomized patients to receive group agility circuit training or a stretching and weight-shifting exercise program. Mobility was measured by the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) at post-treatment (10 weeks) and follow-up (1 month post-treatment). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Yang et al., 2006) randomized patients to receive individual strength circuit training or no rehabilitation. Mobility was measured by the TUG at post-treatment (4 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found, in favour of circuit training vs. no rehabilitation.
The third high quality RCT (Mudge, Barber & Stott, 2009) randomized patients to receive group lower extremity circuit training or time-matched social/educational classes. Mobility was measured by the Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) and a StepWatch Activity Monitor (mean number of steps/day, steps/min, percentage of time inactive) at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (3 months). A significant between-group difference in self-reported mobility (RMI) was found at follow-up only, in favour of circuit training vs. social/educational classes.
The fourth high quality cross-over RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Marsden et al., 2010) randomized patients and their carers to receive the Community Living After StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. for Survivors and Carers (CLASSiC*) programme or no intervention. Mobility was measured by the TUG at post-treatment (7 weeks) and follow-up (21 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
* The CLASSiC program comprised group lower extremity and balance circuit training, social discussion and strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. education sessions.
Note: This pilot study was not adequately powered to detect significant between-group differences.
The fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Park & Kim, 2016) randomized patients to receive individual gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
circuit training or walking rehabilitation on a firm indoor surface. Mobility was measured by the TUG at post-treatment (3 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found, in favour of circuit training vs. indoors walking rehabilitation.
Conclusion: There is conflicting evidence (level 4) regarding the effect of circuit training on mobility in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. While three* high quality RCTs found that circuit training was not more effective than comparison interventions (stretching/weight-shifting exercises, social/educational classes, no specific intervention), one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. and one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found that circuit training was more effective than comparison groups (no rehabilitation, indoor walking rehabilitation) for improving mobility.
* Note: One of these studies found that circuit training was more effective, in long term, than social/educational classes for improving self-reported mobility.
Muscle strength - lower extremity
Effective
1A
Two high quality RCTs (Pang et al., 2005; Yang et al., 2006) investigated the effect of circuit training on lower extremity muscle strength in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Pang et al., 2005) randomized patients to receive the Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) group circuit training program or a seated upper extremity exercise program. Lower extremity muscle strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer (isometric knee extension – paretic/nonparetic leg) at post-treatment (19 weeks). A significant between-group difference in muscle strength of the paretic limb was found, in favour of circuit training vs. seated upper extremity exercises.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Yang et al., 2006) randomized patients to receive individual strength circuit training or no rehabilitation. Lower extremity muscle strength was measured by handheld dynamometer (hip flexors/extensors, knee flexors/extensors, ankle dorsi/plantarflexors – paretic/nonparetic leg) at post-treatment (4 weeks). Significant between-group differences in all measures of lower extremity muscle strength (paretic and nonparetic legs) were found, in favour of circuit training vs. no rehabilitation.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from two high quality RCTs that circuit training is more effective than comparison groups (seated upper extremity exercises, no rehabilitation) for improving lower extremity muscle strength in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Note: One high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found significant between-group differences in muscle strength of the paretic lower extremity only.
One high quality RCT (Marigold et al., 2005) investigated the effect of circuit training on reflexes in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery. This high quality RCT randomized patients to receive group agility circuit training or a stretching and weight-shifting exercise program. Reflexes were measured by postural reflex onset latency (tibialis anterior, rectus femoris, medial head of gastrocnemius, biceps femoris) at post-treatment (10 weeks) and follow-up (1 month post-treatment). A significant between-group difference was found in only one measure (paretic rectus femoris) at post-treatment, in favour of circuit training vs. stretching/weight-shifting exercise. Results did not remain significant at follow-up.
Note: There were significant between-group differences in paretic rectus femoris onset latency at baseline, which were entered as a covariate for statistical analysis.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (stretching/weight-shifting exercises) for improving reflexes in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Self-reported physical activity
Not Effective
1B
One high quality RCT (Mudge, Barber & Stott, 2009) investigated the effect of circuit training on self-reported physical activity in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This high quality RCT randomized patients to receive group lower extremity circuit training or time-matched social/educational classes. Physical activity was measured by the Physical Activity and Disability Scale at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (3 months). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (social/educational classes) for improving self-reported physical activity in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Stroke outcomes
Not effective
1b
Two high quality RCTs (Marsden et al., 2010; Moore et al., 2015) investigated the effect of circuit training on strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality cross-over RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Marsden et al., 2010) randomized patients and their carers to receive the Community Living After StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. for Survivors and Carers (CLASSiC*) programme or no intervention. Patients’ stroke outcomes were measured using the StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. Impact Scale (SIS – Communication, Mood/Emotion, ADL/IADL, Hand function, Memory, Mobility, ParticipationAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, participation is an individual’s involvement in life situations in relation to health conditions, body functions or structures, activities, and contextual factors. Participation restrictions are problems an individual may have in the manner or extent of involvement in life situations., Strength, Composite Physical, Recovery scores) at post-treatment (7 weeks) and follow-up (21 weeks). No significant between-group differences were found at either time point.
* The CLASSiC program comprised group lower extremity and balance circuit training, social discussion and strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. education sessions.
Note: This pilot study was not adequately powered to detect significant between-group differences.
The second high quality RCT (Moore et al., 2015) randomized patients to receive group fitness and mobility circuit training based on the Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) program or a time-matched home stretching program. StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes were measured by the SIS (Communication, Mood/Emotion, ADL/IADL, Hand function, Memory, Mobility, ParticipationAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, participation is an individual’s involvement in life situations in relation to health conditions, body functions or structures, activities, and contextual factors. Participation restrictions are problems an individual may have in the manner or extent of involvement in life situations., Strength, Composite Physical, Recovery scores) at post-treatment (19 weeks). A significant between-group difference was seen on only two measures (SIS – Mood/Emotion, Recovery), in favour of circuit training vs. home stretching.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from two high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is not more effective than no specific intervention or a comparison intervention (home stretching) for improving strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Note: One high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found differences in recovery and mood/emotion in favour of circuit training vs. home stretching.
Walking endurance - carers
Not effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Marsden et al., 2010) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking endurance among carers of chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. patients. This high quality cross-over RCT randomized patients and their carers to receive the Community Living After StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. for Survivors and Carers (CLASSIC*) programme or no intervention. Carers’ walking endurance was measured by the 6 Minute Walk Test at post-treatment (7 weeks) and follow-up (21 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
* The CLASSiC program comprised group lower extremity and balance circuit training, social discussion and strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. education sessions.
Note: This pilot study was not adequately powered to detect significant between-group differences.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training is not more effective than no specific intervention for improving carers’ walking endurance of patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Walking endurance - patients
Effective
1A
Five high quality RCTs (Pang et al., 2005; Yang et al., 2006; Mudge, Barber & Stott, 2009; Marsden et al., 2010; Moore et al., 2015) and one poor quality RCT (Song, Kim & Park, 2015) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking endurance in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Pang et al., 2005) randomized patients to receive the Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) group circuit training program or a seated upper extremity exercise program. Walking endurance was measured by the 6 Minute Walk Test (6MWT) at post-treatment (19 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found, in favour of circuit training vs. seated upper extremity exercises.
The second high quality RCT (Yang et al., 2006) randomized patients to receive individual strength circuit training or no rehabilitation. Walking endurance was measured by the 6MWT at post-treatment (4 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found, in favour of circuit training vs. no rehabilitation.
The third high quality RCT (Mudge, Barber & Stott, 2009) randomized patients to receive group lower extremity circuit training or time-matched social/educational classes. Walking endurance was measured by the 6MWT at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (3 months). A significant between-group difference was found at post-treatment, in favour of circuit training vs. social/educational classes. Differences did not remain significant at follow-up (3 months).
The fourth high quality cross-over RCT (Marsden et al., 2010) randomized patients and their carers to receive the Community Living After StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. for Survivors and Carers (CLASSIC*) programme or no intervention. Walking endurance was measured by the 6MWT at post-treatment (7 weeks) and follow-up (21 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
* The CLASSiC program comprised group lower extremity and balance circuit training, social discussion and strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. education sessions.
Note: This pilot study was not adequately powered to detect significant between-group differences; results will not be used to contribute to the conclusion below.
The fifth high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Moore et al., 2015) randomized patients to receive group fitness and mobility circuit training based on the FAME program or a time-matched home stretching program. Walking endurance was measured by the 6MWT at post-treatment (19 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found, in favour of circuit training vs. home stretching.
The poor quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Song, Kim & Park, 2015) randomized patients to receive individual upper extremity and mobility circuit training, group upper extremity and mobility circuit training, or no circuit training; all groups received conventional physiotherapy. Walking endurance was measured by the 2 Minute Walk Test at post-treatment (4 weeks). Significant between-group differences were found, in favour of individual circuit training vs. no training, and in favour of group circuit training vs. no training. There was no significant difference between individual vs. group circuit training.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from four high quality RCTs and one poor quality RCT that circuit training is more effective than comparison groups (seated upper extremity exercise, no rehabilitation, social/educational classes, home stretching, conventional physiotherapy) for improving walking endurance in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Walking speed
Conflicting
4
Two high quality RCTs (Mudge, Barber & Stott, 2009; Moore et al., 2015) and one fair quality RCT (Park & Kim, 2016) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking speed in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
The first high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Mudge, Barber & Stott, 2009) randomized patients to receive group lower extremity circuit training or time-matched social/educational classes. Walking speed was measured by the 10-meter walk test at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (3 months). A significant between-group difference was seen at follow-up only, in favour of circuit training vs. social/educational classes.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Moore et al., 2015) randomized patients to receive group fitness and mobility circuit training based on the based on the Fitness and Mobility Exercise (FAME) program or a time-matched home stretching program. Walking speed was measured by the 10-meter walk test at post-treatment (19 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found, in favour of circuit training vs. home stretching.
The fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Park & Kim, 2016) randomized patients to receive individual gait circuit training or walking rehabilitation on a firm indoor surface. Walking speed was measured by the 10-meter walk test at post-treatment (3 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found, in favour of circuit training vs. indoors walking rehabilitation.
Conclusion: There is conflicting evidence (level 4) regarding the effect of circuit training on walking speed in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. While one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. and one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. found that circuit training was more effective than comparison interventions (home stretching, indoor walking rehabilitation) immediately post-treatment, a second high quality RCT found that circuit training was more effective than a comparison intervention (social/educational classes) only at 3-month follow-up.
Well-being - carers
Not effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Marsden et al., 2010) investigated the effect of circuit training on wellbeing among carers of chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. patients. This high quality cross-over RCT randomized patients and their carers to receive the Community Living After StrokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. for Survivors and Carers (CLASSiC*) programme or no intervention. Carers’ wellbeing was measured by the Carer Strain Index at post-treatment (7 weeks) and follow-up (21 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
* The CLASSiC program comprised group lower extremity and balance circuit training, social discussion and strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. education sessions.
Note: This pilot study was not adequately powered to detect significant between-group differences.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is not more effective than no specific intervention for improving carers’ wellbeing of patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Chronic Phase: lower extremity vs. upper extremity circuit training
One fair quality RCT (Dean et al., 2000) investigated the effect of circuit training on balance in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery. This fair quality RCT randomized patients to receive group lower extremity circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Balance was measured by the Step Test at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (2 months later). A significant between-group difference was found at both time points, in favour of lower extremity circuit training vs. upper extremity circuit training.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2a) from one fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that lower extremity circuit training is more effective than upper extremity circuit training for improving balance in the chronic phase of stroke recovery.
One fair quality RCT (Dean et al., 2000) investigated the effect of circuit training on dexterity in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery. This fair quality RCT randomized patients to receive group lower extremity circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Dexterity was measured by the Purdue Pegboard Test at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (2 months post-treatment). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2a) from one fair quality RCT that upper extremity circuit training is not more effective than lower extremity circuit training for improving dexterity in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Grip strength
Not Effective
2A
One fair quality RCT (Dean et al., 2000) investigated the effect of circuit training on grip strength in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery. This fair quality RCT randomized patients to receive group lower extremity circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Grip strength was measured by Jamar dynamometer at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (2 months post-treatment). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2a) from one fair quality RCT that upper extremity circuit training is not more effective than lower extremity circuit training for improving grip strength in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
One fair quality RCT (Dean et al., 2000) investigated the effect of circuit training on mobility in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery. This fair quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. randomized patients to receive group lower extremity circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Mobility was measured by the Timed Up and Go Test at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (2 months post-treatment). No significant between-group difference was found at either time point.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2a) from one fair quality RCT that lower extremity circuit training is not more effective than upper extremity circuit training for improving mobility in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
One fair quality RCT (Dean et al., 2000) investigated the effect of circuit training on transfers in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery. This fair quality RCT randomized patients to receive group lower extremity circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Force production through the affected foot during sit-to-stand (measured by mean peak vertical ground reaction force) was measured at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (2 months post-treatment). A significant between-group difference was found at both time points, in favour of lower extremity circuit training vs. upper extremity circuit training.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2a) from one fair quality RCT that lower extremity circuit training is more effective than upper extremity circuit training for improving transfers in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Walking endurance
Effective
2a
One fair quality RCT (Dean et al., 2000) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking endurance in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery. This fair quality RCT randomized patients to receive group lower extremity circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Walking endurance was measured by the 6 Minute Walk Test at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (2 months post-treatment). A significant between-group difference was found at both time points, in favour of lower extremity circuit training vs. upper extremity circuit training.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2a) from one fair quality RCT that lower extremity circuit training is more effective than upper extremity circuit training for improving walking endurance in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
One fair quality RCT (Dean et al., 2000) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking speed in patients in the chronic phase of stroke recovery. This fair quality RCT randomized patients to receive group lower extremity circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Walking speed was measured by a 10-meter walk test (with assistive device, without assistive device) at post-treatment (4 weeks) and follow-up (2 months post-treatment). A significant between-group difference in walking speed (without an assistive device) was found at both time points, in favour of lower extremity circuit training vs. upper extremity circuit training.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2a) from one fair quality RCT that lower extremity circuit training is more effective than upper extremity circuit training for improving walking speed (when participants are not reliant on an assistive device) in patients in the chronic phase of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. recovery.
Phase of stroke recovery not specific to one period
Two high quality RCTs (Harrington et al., 2010; Dean et al., 2012) and one poor quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Ain, Malik & Amjad, 2018b) investigated the effect of circuit training on balance following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
The first high quality RCT (Harrington et al., 2010) randomized patients with subacute/chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group circuit training + education or standard care. Balance was measured by the Functional Reach test at post-treatment (9 weeks) and follow-up (6 months, 12 months). No significant between-group difference was found at any time point.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Dean et al., 2012) randomized patients with subacute/chronic stroke to receive group mobility circuit training or exercise classes to improve upper extremity function and cognition. Balance was measured using the Step Test (paretic, non-paretic lower extremity), the coordinated stability task and according to maximum balance range (mm), and single-leg stance (paretic, non-paretic lower extremity) at post-treatment (12 months). No significant between-group differences were found.
The poor quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Ain, Malik & Amjad, 2018b) randomized patients with strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. (time since stroke not specified) to receive group balance + gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
circuit training or conventional gait exercise. Balance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale at post-treatment (6 weeks). A significant improvement in balance was found following group balance + gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
circuit training.
Note: Between-group differences were not reported; results will not be used to contribute to the conclusion below.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from two high quality RCTs that circuit training is not more effective than comparison interventions (standard care, upper extremity + cognition exercise classes) for improving balance following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
Community participation
Not effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Dean et al., 2012) investigated the effect of circuit training on community participationAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, participation is an individual’s involvement in life situations in relation to health conditions, body functions or structures, activities, and contextual factors. Participation restrictions are problems an individual may have in the manner or extent of involvement in life situations. following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic stroke to receive group mobility circuit training or exercise classes to improve upper extremity function and cognition. Community participationAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, participation is an individual’s involvement in life situations in relation to health conditions, body functions or structures, activities, and contextual factors. Participation restrictions are problems an individual may have in the manner or extent of involvement in life situations. was measured using the Adelaide ActivitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
Profile (AAP – Domestic chores, Household maintenance, Service to others, Social activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
scores) at post-treatment (12 months). A significant between-group difference was found on one measure of community participationAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, participation is an individual’s involvement in life situations in relation to health conditions, body functions or structures, activities, and contextual factors. Participation restrictions are problems an individual may have in the manner or extent of involvement in life situations. (AAP – Service to others), in favour of circuit training vs. upper extremity + cognition exercise classes. However, there was a significant between-group difference in another aspect of community participationAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, participation is an individual’s involvement in life situations in relation to health conditions, body functions or structures, activities, and contextual factors. Participation restrictions are problems an individual may have in the manner or extent of involvement in life situations. (AAP – Social activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
), in favour of upper extremity + cognition exercise classes vs. circuit training.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (upper extremity + cognition exercise classes) for improving community participationAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, participation is an individual’s involvement in life situations in relation to health conditions, body functions or structures, activities, and contextual factors. Participation restrictions are problems an individual may have in the manner or extent of involvement in life situations. following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
Note: The high quality RCT found that circuit training participants engaged more in service to others, whereas upper extremity + cognition exercise class participants engaged in more social activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
.
Emotional well-being
Not effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Harrington et al., 2010) investigated the effect of circuit training on the emotional wellbeing following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group circuit training + education or standard care. Emotional wellbeing was measured using the Hospital Anxiety and DepressionIllness involving the body, mood, and thoughts, that affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood or a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with a depressive disease cannot merely “pull themselves together” and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression.
Scale (Anxiety, DepressionIllness involving the body, mood, and thoughts, that affects the way a person eats and sleeps, the way one feels about oneself, and the way one thinks about things. A depressive disorder is not the same as a passing blue mood or a sign of personal weakness or a condition that can be wished away. People with a depressive disease cannot merely “pull themselves together” and get better. Without treatment, symptoms can last for weeks, months, or years. Appropriate treatment, however, can help most people with depression.
, Total scores) at post-treatment (9 weeks) and follow-up (6 months, 12 months). No significant between-group differences were found at any time point.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training + education is not more effective than a comparison intervention (standard care) for improving emotional wellbeing following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
One high quality RCT (Dean et al., 2012) and one poor quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Ain, Malik & Amjad, 2018b) investigated the effect of circuit training on falls following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
The high quality RCT (Dean et al., 2012) randomized patients with subacute/chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group mobility circuit training or exercise classes to improve upper extremity function and cognition. Falls were measured according to the number of falls over 12 months and fall rates, and falls risk was measured by the Short Form Physiological Profile Assessment and by choice stepping reaction time at post-treatment (12 months). A significant between-group difference was found on only one measure (choice stepping reaction time), in favour of circuit training vs. upper extremity + cognition exercise classes.
The poor quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Ain, Malik & Amjad, 2018b) randomized patients with strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. (time since strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. not specified) to receive group balance + gait circuit training or conventional gait exercise. Falls efficacy was measured by the Falls Efficacy Scale at post-treatment (6 weeks). A significant improvement in falls efficacy was found following group balance and gait circuit training.
Note: Between-group differences were not reported; results will not be used to contribute to the conclusion below.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (upper extremity + cognition exercise classes) for reducing falls following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
Gait parameters
Effective
2a
One fair quality RCT (Ain et al., 2018a) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking parameters following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. This fair quality RCT randomized patients with strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. (time since strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. not specified) to receive group balance + gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
circuit training or traditional gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
training. Gait parameters (cadence, step length, step width) were measured at post-treatment (6 weeks). Significant between-group differences were found on all measures, in favour of circuit training vs. traditional gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
training.
Conclusion: There is limited evidence (level 2a) from one fair quality RCT that circuit training is more effective than a comparison intervention (traditional gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
training) for improving gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameters following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
Health-related quality of life
Not effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Harrington et al., 2010) investigated the effect of circuit training on the health-related quality of life following stroke. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group circuit training + education or standard care. Health-related quality of life was measured by the WHOQoL-Bref (Physical, Psychological, Social, Environmental scores) at post-treatment (9 weeks) and follow-up (6 months, 12 months). There was a significant between-group difference in one measure of health-related quality of life (WHOQoL-Bref – Psychological score) at 6-month follow-up only, in favour of circuit training + education vs. standard care.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training + education is not more effective than a comparison intervention (standard care) for improving health-related quality of life following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
Instrumental Activities of Daily Living
Not effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Harrington et al., 2010) investigated the effect of circuit training on instrumental activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
of daily living (IADLs) following stroke. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group circuit training + education or standard care. IADLs were measured using the Frenchay ActivitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
Index at post-treatment (9 weeks) and follow-up (6 months, 12 months). No significant between-group difference was seen at any time point.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training + education is not more effective than a comparison intervention (standard care) for improving instrumental activitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
of daily living following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
Knee strength
Not effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Dean et al., 2012) investigated the effect of circuit training on knee strength following stroke. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group mobility circuit training or exercise classes to improve upper extremity function and cognition. Isometric muscle strength of the paretic and non-paretic knee was measured at post-treatment (12 months). A significant between-group difference in knee strength (non-paretic leg only) was found, in favour of circuit training vs. upper extremity + cognition exercise classes.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (upper extremity + cognition exercise classes) for improving paretic knee strength following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
Two high quality RCTs (Harrington et al., 2010; Dean et al., 2012) and one fair quality RCT (Ain et al., 2018a) investigated the effect of circuit training on mobility following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
The first high quality RCT (Harrington et al., 2010) randomized patients with subacute/chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group circuit training + education or standard care. Mobility was measured using the Rivermead Mobility Index and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) at post-treatment (9 weeks) and follow-up (6 months, 12 months). No significant between-group difference was seen at any time point.
The second high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Dean et al., 2012) randomized patients with subacute/chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group mobility circuit training or exercise classes to improve upper extremity function and cognition. Mobility was measured using the TUG at post-treatment (12 months). No significant between-group difference was found.
The fair quality RCT (Ain et al., 2018a) randomized patients with strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. (time since strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. not specified) to receive group balance + gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
circuit training or traditional gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
training. Mobility was measured by the TUG at post-treatment (6 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found, in favour of circuit training vs. traditional gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
training.
Conclusion: There is strong evidence (level 1a) from two high quality RCTs that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (standard care, upper extremity function and cognition exercise classes) for improving mobility following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
Note: However, one fair quality RCT found a significant difference in mobility in favour of circuit training vs. traditional gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
training.
Physical activity
Not effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Dean et al., 2012) investigated the effect of circuit training on physical activity following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group mobility circuit training or exercise classes to improve upper extremity function + cognition. Physical activity was measured according to steps/day (7-day pedometer count) at post-treatment (12 months). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (upper extremity + cognition exercise classes) for improving physical activity following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
Quality of life
Not effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Dean et al., 2012) and one poor quality RCT (Ain, Malik & Amjad, 2018b) investigated the effect of circuit training on quality of life following stroke.
The high quality RCT (Dean et al., 2012) randomized patients with subacute/chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group mobility circuit training or exercise classes to improve upper extremity function and cognition. Quality of life was measured by the Short Form-12 version 2 (Physical Composite score, Mental Composite score) at post-treatment (12 months). No significant between-group differences were found.
The poor quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. (Ain, Malik & Amjad, 2018b) randomized patients with strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. (time since strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. not specified) to receive group balance and gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
circuit training or conventional gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
exercise. Quality of life was measured by the Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale at post-treatment (6 weeks). No significant changes in quality of life were found.
Note: Between-group differences were not reported; results will not be used to contribute to the conclusion below.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (upper extremity + cognition exercise classes) for improving quality of life following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
Stroke outcomes
Effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Harrington et al., 2010) investigated the effect of circuit training on strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes following stroke.This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic stroke to receive group circuit training + education or standard care. Stroke outcomes were measured using the Subjective Index of Physical and Social Outcome (SIPSO – Physical, Social, Total scores) at post-treatment (9 weeks) and follow-up (6 months, 12 months). There was a significant between-group difference in one measure of strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes (SIPSO – Physical) at post-treatment and again at 12-month follow-up, in favour of circuit training vs. standard care.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training is more effective than a comparison intervention (standard care) for improving physical strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. outcomes following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
One high quality RCT (Dean et al., 2012) investigated the effect of circuit training on transfers following stroke. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic stroke to receive group mobility circuit training or exercise classes to improve upper extremity function and cognition. Transfers were measured using the Five Times Sit-to-Stand Test at post-treatment (12 months). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (upper extremity + cognition exercise classes) for improving transfers following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
Walking endurance
Effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Dean et al., 2012) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking endurance following stroke. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic stroke to receive group mobility circuit training or exercise classes to improve upper extremity function and cognition. Walking endurance was measured by the 6 Minute Walk Test at post-treatment (12 months). A significant between-group difference was found, in favour of circuit training vs. upper extremity + cognition exercise classes.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is more effective than a comparison intervention (upper extremity + cognition exercise classes) for improving walking endurance following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
One high quality RCT (Dean et al., 2012) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking speed following stroke. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic stroke to receive group mobility circuit training or exercise classes to improve upper extremity function and cognition. Walking speed was measured by a 10-meter walk test (comfortable walking speed, fast walking speed) at post-treatment (12 months). A significant between-group difference was found (fast walking speed only), in favour of circuit training vs. upper extremity + cognition exercise classes.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that circuit training is more effective than a comparison intervention (upper extremity + cognition exercise classes) for improving walking speed following stroke.
Well-being - carers
Not effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Harrington et al., 2010) investigated the effect of circuit training on wellbeing among carers of stroke patients. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group circuit training + education or standard care. Carer wellbeing was measured by the Carer Strain Index at post-treatment (9 weeks) and follow-up (6 months, 12 months). No significant between-group difference was seen at any time point.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that circuit training is not more effective than a comparison intervention (standard care) for improving wellbeing among carers of patients with subacute or chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
Phase of stroke recovery not specific to one period: lower extremity vs upper extremity circuit training
One high quality RCT (Salbach et al., 2004) investigated the effect of circuit training on balance following stroke. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic stroke to receive group mobility circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Balance was measured by the Berg Balance Scale at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that mobility circuit training is not more effective than upper extremity circuit training for improving balance following stroke.
One high quality RCT (Salbach et al., 2004) investigated the effect of circuit training on mobility following stroke. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. to receive group mobility circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Mobility was measured by the Timed Up and Go Test at post-treatment (4 weeks). No significant between-group difference was found.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCTA randomized controlled trial (RCT) is an experimental design in which subjects are randomly assigned to a treatment group, or to a control (no treatment or alternative treatment) group. Effects of the experimental treatment are then compared statistically to results of the control treatment to determine effectiveness. that mobility circuit training is not more effective than upper extremity circuit training for improving mobility following stroke.
Walking endurance
Effective
1b
One high quality RCT (Salbach et al., 2004) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking endurance following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic stroke to receive group mobility circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Walking endurance was measured by the 6 Minute Walk Test at post-treatment (4 weeks). A significant between-group difference was found, in favour of mobility circuit training vs. upper extremity circuit training.
Note: Between-group differences in walking endurance were largest in a subgroup of people with moderate walking deficit (0.3-0.7m/s), and smallest in a subgroup of people with a severe walking deficit (<0.3m/s).
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that mobility circuit training is more effective than upper extremity circuit training for improving walking endurance following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
One high quality RCT (Salbach et al., 2004) investigated the effect of circuit training on walking speed following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. This high quality RCT randomized patients with subacute/chronic stroke to receive group mobility circuit training or group upper extremity circuit training. Walking speed was measured by a 5-meter walk test (comfortable walking speed, maximum walking speed) at post-treatment (4 weeks). Significant between-group differences in comfortable and maximum walking speeds were found, in favour of mobility circuit training vs. upper extremity circuit training.
Conclusion: There is moderate evidence (level 1b) from one high quality RCT that mobility circuit training is more effective than upper extremity circuit training for improving walking speed following strokeAlso called a “brain attack” and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a “schemic stroke”, or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain..
References
Ain, Q., Malik, A. N., & Amjad, I. (2018a). Effect of circuit gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
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Ain, Q., Malik, A. N., Haq, U., & Ali, S. (2018b). Effect of task specific circuit training on gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
parameters and mobility in strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. survivors. Pakistan Journal of Medical Sciences, 34, 1300-3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30344596
Blennerhassett, J. & Dite, W. (2004). Additional task-related practice improves mobility and upper limb function early after stroke: a randomised controlled trial. Australian Journal of Physiotherapy, 50, 219-24. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15574110
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ability in subacute strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. patients: a randomized controlled trial. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 29, 989-92. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28626306
Marigold, D.S., Eng, J.J., Dawson, A.S., Inglis, J.T., Harris, J.E., & Gylfadottir, S. (2005). Exercise leads to faster postural reflexes, improved balance and mobility, and fewer falls in older persons with chronic strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 53, 416-23. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15743283
Marsden, D., Quinn, R., Pond, N., Golledge, R., Neilson, C., White, J., … & Pollack, M. (2010). A multidisciplinary group programme in rural settings for community-dwelling chronic strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. survivors and their carers: a pilot randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 24, 328-41. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20176772
Moon, J. H., Park, K. Y., Kim, H. J., & Na, C. H. (2018). The Effects of Task-Oriented Circuit Training Using Rehabilitation Tools on the Upper-Extremity Functions and Daily ActivitiesAs defined by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health, activity is the performance of a task or action by an individual. Activity limitations are difficulties in performance of activities. These are also referred to as function.
of Patients with Acute StrokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.: A Randomized Controlled Pilot Trial. Osong Public Health and Research Perspectives, 9, 225-30. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/30402377
Moore, S. A., Hallsworth, K., Jakovljevic, D. G., Blamire, A. M., He, J., Ford, G. A., … & Trenell, M. I. (2015). Effects of community exercise therapy on metabolic, brain, physical, and cognitive function following strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.: a randomized controlled pilot trial. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 29, 623-35. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25538152
Mudge, S., Barber, P.A., & Stott, S. (2009). Circuit-based rehabilitation improves gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
endurance but not usual walking activity in chronic strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.: a randomized controlled trial. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 90, 1989-96. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19969159
Pang, M.Y.C., Eng, J.J., Dawson, A.S., McKay, H.A., & Harris, J.E. (2005). A community-based fitness and mobility exercise program for older adults with chronic strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.: a randomized, controlled trial. Journal of the American Geriatric Society, 53, 1667-74. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16181164
Park, K. T., & Kim, H. J. (2016). Effect of the a circuit training program using obstacles on the walking and balance abilities of strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. patients. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 28, 1194-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4868212/
Renner, C. I., Outermans, J., Ludwig, R., Brendel, C., Kwakkel, G., & Hummelsheim, H. (2016). Group therapy task training versus individual task training during inpatient strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. rehabilitation: A randomised controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 30, 637-48. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26316552
Rose, D., Paris, T., Crews, E., Wu, S.S., Sun, A., Behrman, A.L., & Duncan, P. (2011). Feasibility and effectiveness of circuit training in acute strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. rehabilitation. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 25(2), 140-8. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21051764
Salbach, N.M., Mayo, N.E., Wood-Dauphinee, S., Hanley, J.A., Richards, C.L., & Cote, R. (2004). A task-oriented intervention enhances walking distance and speed in the first year post-stroke: a randomized controlled trial. Clinical Rehabilitation, 18, 509-19. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15293485
Song, H. S., Kim, J. Y., & Park, S. D. (2015). Effect of the class and individual applications of task-oriented circuit training on gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
ability in patients with chronic strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27, 187-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25642070
van de Port, I.G.L., Wevers, L.E.G., Lindeman, E., & Kwakkel, G. (2012). Effects of circuit training as alternative to usual physiotherapy after strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.: randomised controlled trial. British Medical Journal, 344, e2672. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22577186
Verma, R., Arya, K.N., Garg, R.K., & Singh, T. (2011). Task-oriented circuit class training program with motor imagery for gaitThe pattern of walking, which is often characterized by elements of progression, efficiency, stability and safety.
rehabilitation in poststroke patients: a randomized controlled trial. Topics in StrokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain. Rehabilitation, 18(Suppl 1), 620-32. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22120031
Wevers, L., van de Port, I., Vermue, M., Mead, G., & Kwakkel, G. (2009). Effects of task-oriented circuit class training on walking competency after strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.: a systematic reviewA systematic review is a summary of available research on a given topic that compares studies based on design and methods. It summarizes the findings of each, and points out flaws or potentially confounding variables that may have been overlooked. A critical analysis of each study is done in an effort to rate the value of its stated conclusions. The research findings are then summarized, and a conclusion is provided.
. StrokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain., 40, 2450-9. DOI: 10.1161/STROKEAHA.108.541946. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/19461035
Yang, Y-R., Wang, R-Y., in, K-H., Chu, M-Y., & Chan, R-C. (2006). Task-oriented progressive resistance strength training improves muscle strength and functional performance in individuals with strokeAlso called a "brain attack" and happens when brain cells die because of inadequate blood flow. 20% of cases are a hemorrhage in the brain caused by a rupture or leakage from a blood vessel. 80% of cases are also know as a "schemic stroke", or the formation of a blood clot in a vessel supplying blood to the brain.. Clinical Rehabilitation, 20, 860-70. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17008338
Excluded Studies:
Holmgren, E., Gosman-Hedström, G., Lindström, B., & Wester, P. (2010). What is the benefit of a high-intensive exercise program on health-related quality of life and depression after stroke? A randomized controlled trial. Advances in Physiotherapy, 12, 125-33. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2956448/
Reason for exclusion: This paper insufficiently detailed their intervention and it is unclear whether circuit training was used.
Kim, B., Park, Y., Seo, Y., Park, S., Cho, H., Moon, H., … & Yu, J. (2016). Effects of individualized versus group task-oriented circuit training on balance ability and gait endurance in chronic stroke inpatients. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 28, 1872-5. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4932078/
Reason for exclusion: Both groups received circuit training in different formats.
Mead, G.E., Greig, C.A., Cunningham, I., Lewis, S.J., Dinan, S., Saunders, D.H., Fitzsimons, C., & Young, A. (2007). Stroke: a randomized trial of exercise or relaxation. Journal of the American Geriatrics Society, 55, 892-9. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17537090/
Reason for exclusion: This paper compared exercise circuit training (intervention) to relaxation (attention-matched control). Exercises were performed in a circuit format but were not task-specific, focusing instead on improving physical ability (e.g. bicycle ergonometry).
Outermans, J.C., van Peppen, R.P.S., Wittink, H., Takken, T., & Kwakkel, G. (2010). Effects of a high-intensity task-oriented training on gait performance early after stroke: a pilot study. Clinical Rehabilitation, 24, 979-87. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20719820/
Reason for exclusion: This paper compared high intensity task-oriented training with low-intensity physiotherapy, where both groups were performed as circuit training. The focus of the study was intervention intensity.
Tang, A., Eng, J. J., Krassioukov, A. V., Madden, K. M., Mohammadi, A., Tsang, M. Y., & Tsang, T. S. (2014). Exercise-induced changes in cardiovascular function after stroke: a randomized controlled trial. International Journal of Stroke, 9, 883-9. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24148695
Reason for exclusion: This paper insufficiently detailed their intervention and it is unclear whether circuit training was used.
