Nonsignificant summary effect sizes in favor of task-oriented circuit class training were found for the step test and balance control .
This meta- analysis supports the use of task-oriented circuit class training to improve gait and gait-related activities in patients with chronic stroke .
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE There is increasing interest in the potential benefits of circuit class training after stroke , but its effectiveness is uncertain .
Our aim was to systematic ally review r and omized , controlled trials of task-oriented circuit class training on gait and gait-related activities in patients with stroke .
Recovery of walking function in stroke patients: the Copenhagen Stroke Study.
Time course and degree of the recovery of walking function after stroke and the influence of initial lower extremity ( LE ) paresis were studied prospect ively in a community-based population of 804 consecutive acute stroke patients .  Walking function and degree of LE paresis were assessed weekly using the Barthel index and the Sc and inavian Neurological Stroke scale , respectively . Initially , 51 % had no walking function , 12 % could walk with assistance , and 37 % had independent walking function . At the end of rehabilitation , 21 % had died , 18 % had no walking function , 11 % could walk with assistance , and 50 % had independent walking function . Recovery of walking function occurs in 95 % of the patients within the first 11 weeks after stroke . The time and the degree of recovery are related to both the degree of initial impairment of walking function and to the severity of LE paresis , p < .0001 . A valid prognosis of walking function in patients with initially no/mild/moderate leg paresis can be made in 3 weeks , and further recovery should not be expected after 9 weeks . A valid prognosis of walking function in patients with initially severe leg paresis or paralysis can be made in 6 weeks , and further improvement of walking function should not be expected later than 11 weeks after stroke
Nonsignificant summary effect sizes in favor of task-oriented circuit class training were found for the step test and balance control .
This meta- analysis supports the use of task-oriented circuit class training to improve gait and gait-related activities in patients with chronic stroke .
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE There is increasing interest in the potential benefits of circuit class training after stroke , but its effectiveness is uncertain .
Our aim was to systematic ally review r and omized , controlled trials of task-oriented circuit class training on gait and gait-related activities in patients with stroke .