Effect of Power Training on Quality of Life in Chronic Stroke Survivors

Abstract

Background: Power training is a concept where power can be best improved with the help of resistance exercise, that is, equivalent to 60% of 1RM. Along with this resistance, the exercise is to be done with maximum speed, that is, as fast as possible, which is equivalent to 33–60% of the maximum movement velocity without resistance. Power training is used for lower motor neuron lesion; but to work more on weakness for chronic stroke individuals and to improve their quality of life (QOL), power training is used for chronic stroke, that is, upper motor neuron lesion. Objectives: The objective was to assess the effect of power training along with conventional treatment protocol on QOL in chronic stroke survivors. Materials and Methods: A comparative study was carried out using convenient sampling technique during 3 months in Krishna Hospital. A total of 40 patients were subjected Group A (20 subjects) who received conventional treatment protocol and Group B (20 subjects) who underwent power training along with conventional treatment protocol. Protocol was conducted for 3 days per week (alternate days) for 6 weeks. Pre- and post-test results were assessed using Stroke-Specific QOL Scale and Modified Barthel’s Index as outcome measures. Results: Significant, very significant, and extremely significant correlations were observed for combination of power training and conventional treatment protocol when compared to conventional treatment alone. Conclusion: This study concluded that the combination of conventional treatment protocol and power training for chronic stroke survivors improved their QOL.