Korean J Adult Nurs.  2012 Jun;24(3):317-326.

Effects of a Muscle Strengthening Exercise Program on Muscle Strength, Activities of Daily Living, Health Perception, and Depression in Post-stroke Elders

• Kim G
• Kwon B
• Hur HK
• Roh YS
• Shin MJ

Abstract

PURPOSE
The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of an exercise program on muscle strength, Activities of Daily Living (ADL), health perception, and depression among post-stroke elders.
METHODS
Nonequivalent control group design with pretest and posttest was used. A total of 23 post-stroke elders who met inclusion criteria were recruited. Muscle strength in upper and lower extremities, ADL, health perception, and self-rated symptoms of depression were measured. The exercise program consisted of deep breathing, range of motion, and muscle strengthening exercises using Thera-band, 30~40 min/day, three days a week, for 12 weeks.
RESULTS
Muscle strength of right shoulder (U=11.50, p=.001), right leg (U=13.50, p=.002), and health perception (U=24.00, p=.010) in the experimental group was significantly higher compared to the control group at 12 weeks of post-intervention. Depression scores were significantly lower in the experimental group compared to the control group at 6 weeks (U=28.00, p=.021), at 12 weeks (U=22.00, p=.006) of an exercise program.
CONCLUSION
By applying this program, post-stroke elders showed increases in muscle strength and a decrease in depression as well as improvement of health perception. Further study is needed to verify the effects of the exercise program on cardiovascular physiologic variables through long-term follow-up.

MeSH Terms

Activities of Daily Living
Depression
Exercise
Follow-Up Studies
Leg
Lower Extremity
Muscle Strength
Muscles
Range of Motion, Articular
Respiration
Shoulder
Stroke