High-intensity arm resistance training does not lead to better outcomes than low-intensity resistance training in patients after subacute stroke: A randomized controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To describe the effects of 2 levels of intensity of arm resistance training on grip strength, arm function, activities, participation, and adverse events in patients with subacute stroke.


DESIGN
A randomized controlled and preregistered trial with concealed allocation, assessor blinding and intention-to-treat analysis.


PATIENTS
Patients with subacute stroke and upper extremity hemiparesis.


METHODS
After randomization the experimental group received a 3-week high-intensity arm resistance training (HIT). The control group completed a 3-week low-intensity arm resistance training (LIT). The primary outcome was grip strength. Secondary outcomes included the Motricity Index, Fugl-Meyer Assessment for the upper limb, Box and Block Test, Goal Attainment Scale, Modified Ashworth Scale, and adverse events. All outcomes were assessed at baseline and after 3 weeks of intervention.


RESULTS
A total of 43 patients were investigated (HIT, n = 23; LIT, n = 20). All primary and secondary outcomes improved after the 3-week training, but no significant between-group differences were found. Adverse events occurred in 5% of training sessions (19/369).


CONCLUSION
The results of this study did not show differential effects on any outcome of 2 forms of arm resistance training in patients with subacute stroke.
['Högg|Susan|S|', 'Holzgraefe|Manfred|M|', 'Drüge|Carolin|C|', 'Hauschild|Frederik|F|', 'Herrmann|Christoph|C|', 'Obermann|Mark|M|', 'Mehrholz|Jan|J|']
D000368:Aged D001132:Arm D005260:Female D006801:Humans D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D010865:Pilot Projects D055070:Resistance Training D020521:Stroke D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation D016896:Treatment Outcome
resistance training stroke upper limb rehabilitation strength training