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 .
Analysis and Comparison of the Psychometric Properties of Three Balance Measures for Stroke Patients
Background and Purpose — This study compared the psychometric properties of 3 clinical balance measures , the  Berg Balance Scale ( BBS ) , the Balance subscale of the Fugl-Meyer test ( FM-B ) , and the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients ( PASS ) , in stroke patients with a broad range of neurological and functional impairment from the acute stage up to 180 days after onset . Methods — One hundred twenty-three stroke patients were followed up prospect ively with the 3 balance measures 14 , 30 , 90 , and 180 days after stroke onset ( DAS ) . Reliability ( interrater reliability and internal consistency ) and validity ( concurrent validity , convergent validity , and predictive validity ) of each measure were examined . A comparison of the responsiveness of each of the 3 measures was made on the basis of the entire group of patients and 3 separate groups classified by degree of neurological severity . Results — The FM-B and BBS showed a significant floor or ceiling effect at some DAS points , whereas the PASS did not show these effects . The BBS , FM-B , and PASS all had good reliability and validity for patients at different recovery stages after stroke . The results of effect size demonstrated fair to good responsiveness of all 3 measures within the first 90 DAS but , as expected , only a low level of responsiveness at 90 to 180 DAS . The PASS was more responsive to changes in severe stroke patients at the earliest period after stroke onset , 14 to 30 DAS . Conclusions — All 3 measures tested showed very acceptable levels of reliability , validity , and responsiveness for both clinicians and research ers . The PASS showed slightly better psychometric characteristics than the other 2 measures
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 .