Mr Dave Matson1, Mr Scott Painter2
1Icare Rehab Queensland, Clontarf, Australia, 2Headway ABI Australia, Gold Coast, Australia
AIM: To compare effects of low to moderate intensity exercise, for adults with complex chronic disease and limited mobility.
DESIGN and METHOD: Inclusions – a cross section of 12 clients attending rehabilitation to improve functional and emotional capacity. Treatment data was collected and compared at baseline and 6 months for measures of gait speed (10 m walk test), Visual Analogue Scale for Fatigue (VAS-F) and Visual Analogue Mood Scales (VAMS).
An individual protocol was planned for each person; clients were encouraged to work towards BORG RPE 13 while using the weight supported elliptical trainer. The rehabilitation software and goal orientated exercise programs where individualized to encourage clients to initiate mental strategies and physical reactions that could be measured in real time.
RESULTS:
- Comparison of baseline and 6 month measures showed average improvement was 8.7 (sd 8.05) seconds and 0.08 (sd 0.09) m/s for gait speed.
- Real time results provided direction for protocol adaptation.
- Subjective results for VAS-F demonstrated a reduction in fatigue levels, while VAMS demonstrated improvement in mood.
CONCLUSIONS: These results support the novel use of a weight bearing elliptical trainer device to enhance rehabilitation in this client group, with the support of rehabilitation software and goal orientated exercise program. Further research is required.
CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS: This may provide an opportunity to meet recommended guidelines for physical activity following a stroke, while potentially providing an alternative to the current rehabilitation model or chronic disease exercise application.
Biography: To be confirmed