Efficacy of Task-Specific Training on Physical Activity Levels of People With Stroke: Protocol for a Randomized Controlled Trial

Abstract Background The majority of people after stroke demonstrate mobility limitations, which may reduce their physical activity levels. Task-specific training has been shown to be an effective intervention to improve mobility in individuals with stroke, however, little is known about the impact of this intervention on levels of physical activity. Objectives The main objective is to investigate the efficacy of task-specific training, focused on both upper and lower limbs, in improving physical activity levels and mobility in individuals with stroke. The secondary objective is to investigate the effects of the training on muscle strength, exercise capacity, and quality of life. Design This is a randomized controlled trial. Setting The setting is public health centers. Participants Community-dwelling people with chronic stroke. Interventions articipants will be randomized to either an experimental or control group, who will receive group interventions 3 times per week over 12 weeks. The experimental group will undertake task-specific training, while the control group will undertake global stretching, memory exercises, and health education sessions. Measurements Primary outcomes include measures of physical activity levels and mobility, whereas secondary outcomes are muscle strength, exercise capacity, and quality of life. The outcomes will be measured at baseline, postintervention, and at the 4- and 12-week follow-ups. Conclusions The findings of this trial have the potential to provide important insights regarding the effects of task-specific training, focused on both upper and lower limbs, in preventing secondary poststroke complications and improving the participants’ general health through changes in physical activity levels.