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BMC Neurology
Published in: BMC Neurology 1/2015

Open Access 01-12-2015 | Study protocol

Effectiveness of a structured circuit class therapy model in stroke rehabilitation: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial

Authors: Isa U. Lawal, Susan L. Hillier, Talhatu K. Hamzat, Anthea Rhoda

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2015

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Abstract

Background

Currently, the key advocacy in neuroscientific studies for stroke rehabilitation is that therapy should be directed towards task specificity performed with multiple repetitions. Circuit Class Therapy (CCT) is well suited to accomplish multiple task-specific activities. However, while repetitive task practice is achievable with circuit class therapy, in stroke survivors repetitive activities may be affected by poor neurologic inputs to motor units, resulting in decreases in discharging rates which consequently may reduce the efficiency of muscular contraction. To accomplish multiple repetitions, stroke survivors may require augmented duration of practice. To date, no study has examined the effect of augmented duration of CCT in stroke rehabilitation, and specifically what duration of CCT is more effective in influencing functional capacity among stroke survivors.

Methods/design

Using a randomised controlled trial with blinded outcome assessment, this study is aimed at determining the effectiveness of structured augmented CCT in stroke rehabilitation. Sixty-eight stroke survivors (to be recruited from a tertiary health institution in Kano, Northwest, Nigeria) will be randomised into one of four groups: three intervention groups of differing CCT durations namely: 60 min, 90 min, and 120minuntes respectively, and a control group. Participants will take part in an 8-week structured intensive CCT intervention. Participants will be assessed at baseline, post-intervention, and six-month follow-up for the effectiveness of the varied durations of therapy, using standardised tools. Based on the WHO-ICF model, the outcomes are body structure/function, activity limitation, and participation restriction measures.

Discussion

It is expected that the outcome of this study will clarify whether increasing CCT duration leads to better recovery of motor function in stroke survivors.

Trial registration

Pan African Clinical Trial Registry (PACTR): PACTR20131100070​1191
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Metadata
Title
Effectiveness of a structured circuit class therapy model in stroke rehabilitation: a protocol for a randomised controlled trial
Authors
Isa U. Lawal
Susan L. Hillier
Talhatu K. Hamzat
Anthea Rhoda
Publication date
01-12-2015
Publisher
BioMed Central
Published in
BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2015
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-015-0348-7

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