Effect of a Training Protocol on Movement Function in Men with Cerebrovascular Accident

Cerebrovascular accident (CVA) refers to any kind of damage caused by direct or indirect damage to the brain and its related elements. It is estimated that about 60% of brain injury victims have a permanent disorder. The consequences of CVA include reduced movement speed, weakness, functional impairment, reduced power, and balance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of a 12-week selected training protocol on motor function following brain injury. In a semi-experimental study, 30 male subjects with a mean and standard deviation of 52.2 ± 5.4 years, weight 173.2 ± 4.2 kg, and height of 78.8 ± 5.3 cm were selected purposefully and accessible with inclusion and exclusion criteria. The participants were randomly divided into experimental (n = 15) and control groups (n = 15). In order to evaluate the physical-motor performance, 10-meter walking tests, get up and go tests, and climbing stairs tests were used. The training program lasted for 12 weeks, three sessions per week, and each session for 30 - 60 minutes. Data were analyzed by independent t-test and dependent t-test using SPSS-21 software at P ≤ 0.05 level. Based on dependent t-test and covariance test, there were significant differences in all three components of motor function (10 m walk time tests, get up and go test, and stair climbing test), there was a significant increase after training in men with CVA (P = 0.00). From the findings of this study, it can be concluded that the special exercises of the present study have a positive effect on motor function parameters of male patients with CVA, so it can be recommended as one of the most important rehabilitation strategies for these patients.