Background: Many studies regarding task-oriented training have recently demonstrated functional improvement in patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. The task-oriented approach is very diverse, and chronic stroke patients must have access to a sustained systematic treatment program to enhance their walking ability. Objectives: This study aimed to compare the effects of the task-oriented circuit training and treadmill training on walking function and quality of life in patients with chronic stroke. Methods: Fourteen patients with chronic stroke volunteered for this study. The subjects were randomly divided into a task-oriented circuit training group and a treadmill training group with 7 patients in each. Each training regimen was performed for 30 min a day and 3 days a week for 4 weeks. Assessment tools included the Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUGT), 10-m Walk Test, 6-min Walk Test (6MWT), and the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS). Results: The change in results of the TUGT, 6MWT, and SIS measured prior to and following the training regimens appeared to be significantly different between the two groups (p<.05). In addition, after the intervention, significant differences were found for all parameters in the task-oriented circuit training group and for the TUGT, 6MWT, and SIS in the treadmill training group (p<.05). Conclusion: The findings suggest that task-related circuit training and treadmill training may be helpful to improve walking function and quality of life of patients with post-stroke hemiparesis. Additionally, a task-related circuit training program may achieve more favorable outcomes than a treadmill program.

The purpose of this study was to parallel circuit training and circuit training with sonic systemic mechanism was to compare the differences in pulmonary function and chest expansion in adult men. This study was performed on 20 subjects. 20 subjects were divided into two groups; Circuit training group(n=10), Circuit training with sonic systemic mechanism(n=10). Both of the group performed the exercise 3 times a week for 5 weeks. The data was analyzed by the Repeated t-test for comparing before, during and after changes of factors in each group and the Independent t-test for comparing the between groups. The result are as follows. Circuit training group was statistically significant difference FVC, FEV1/FVC(p<.05), Circuit training with sonic systemic mechanism group was statistically significant difference PEF, VC in pulmonary function(p<.05). Circuit training group was statistically significant difference FEV1/FVC of between the two group in pulmonary function(p<.05). Circuit training group and circuit training with sonic systemic mechanism group was statistically significant difference in chest expansion(p<0.05) and there was no statistically significant difference of between the two group in chest expansion(p>.05).

This study examines the effects of different environments on the application of hemiplegia patients circuit balance training. Group 1 performed circuit balance training without any auditory intervention Group 2 performed training in noiseless environments and Group 3 performed training in white noise environments. First, among lower extremity muscular strength evaluation items, maximum activity time(MAT) was not significantly different(p>.05). Maximum muscle strength(MMS) increased significantly in Group 3(p<.01), there was no significant difference in MMS among the groups. Average muscle strength(AMS) indexes also significantly increased in Group 3(p<.01), there was no significant difference in AMS among the groups. Second, among balancing ability evaluation items, Berg's balance scale(BBS) scores significantly increased in all groups(p<.05), BBS scores were significantly difference among the groups. Based on the results, Group 1, 2 and Group 1, 3 showed significant increases (p<.05). Functional reach test(FRT) values significantly increased in Group 2, 3(p<.05), and there was no significant difference in FRT values among the groups. Timed up and go(TUG) test values significantly decreased in Group 2, 3(p<.05), and there was no significant difference in TUG test values among the groups. Third, among walking speed evaluation items, the time required to walk 10m significantly decreased in all groups(p<.05), and there was no significant difference in the values among the groups. Average walking speeds showed significant increases in Group 1, 3(p<.05), and there was no significant difference in the values among the groups. Based on the results of this study, noise environments should be improved by either considering auditory interventions and noiseless environments, or by ensuring that white noise environments facilitate the enhancement of balancing ability.

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a weekly circuit-group exercise program on functional performance, flexibility of the trunk and lower extremities, and balance in individuals with chronic stroke who are living in a community. Thirteen community-living individuals (eleven males and two females) with chronic stroke participated in this study. The group exercise program was set up as a weekly circuit application with four stations aiming to strengthen the muscles, increase endurance, improve flexibility, and enhance functional capacity. The average duration of a session was an hour, and the sessions were conducted once a week for six months for a total of 24 sessions. Assessments for functional performance, flexibility of the trunk and lower extremities and balance were conducted four times: before treatment, after one month of treatment, after four months of treatment, and after six months of treatment. There were significant improvements in functional performance and flexibility of the trunk and lower extremities in the given time frame. No significant improvement was observed in balance ability. The findings suggest that a weekly circuit-group exercise program has some benefits in terms of managing the physical symptoms of individuals with mobility problems after stroke. Therefore, this program can be adapted and employed as a community-based rehabilitation program for such patients. Further studies with various community-based treatments will be conducted to validate these findings.