Jump training is feasible for nearly ambulatory patients after stroke.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the feasibility of jump training for nearly ambulatory patients after stroke.

DESIGN: Case series.

SETTING: A rehabilitation centre for adult people with neurological disorders.

SUBJECTS: Six subacute, nearly ambulatory patients with hemiparesis due to stroke.

INTERVENTIONS: A modified form of jump training performed over a period of six weeks.

MEASURES: Impairments: We used the Motricity Index to measure strength, the Fugl-Meyer subtest passive joint motion/pain for range of motion and pain and the modified Tardieu Scale to measure spasticity at baseline and after six weeks. Activity level: To assess walking ability we used the Functional Ambulation Category, to measure walking quality we used 10-m gait velocity, stride length and Rivermead Visual Gait Index and to assess walking capacity we used the six-minute walk test.

RESULTS: No severe adverse events were observed during the study period. Motricity Index sum score of the affected leg increased from 38 +/- 11 points (mean +/- SD) to 56 +/- 15 points; P = 0.028. Modified Tardieu Scale and Fugl-Meyer subtest passive joint motion/pain remained unchanged over time (P = 1.0; P = 0.157, respectively). All patients were able to walk at the end of training (median Functional Ambulation Category grade five, P= 0.023). Gait quality improved as shown in increased gait velocity (from 0.3 +/- 0.1 to 1.1 +/- 0.5 m/s; P = 0.028), improved stride length (from 0.3 +/- 0.1 to 0.6 +/- 0.2 m; P = 0.028) and improved Rivermead Visual Gait Index score (from 38.7 +/- 5.6 points to 24.8 +/- 7.0 points; P = 0.027). All patient increased gait capacity (from 97 +/- 33 m to 289 +/- 134 m; P = 0.028).

CONCLUSION: Jump exercises are feasible for selected subacute stroke patients with hemiparesis.