Functioning and Disability
Seon-Deok Eun, PhD
Senior Research Scientist
National Rehabilitation Center
Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, Republic of Korea
Jiyoung Park, PhD
Professor
Wonkwang University
Iksan-si, Ch'ungch'ong-bukto, Republic of Korea
Eunchae Kang, MS
Researcher
National Rehabilitation Center
Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, Republic of Korea
Dongheon Kang, PhD
Senior Researcher
National Rehabilitation Center
Seoul, Seoul-t'ukpyolsi, Republic of Korea
The objective of this study was to examine the effects of a supervised, community-based multicomponent exercise program on functional outcomes in individuals living with chronic stroke. Specifically, this study aimed to evaluate changes in muscle strength, balance, mobility, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, and overall physical performance following an 8-week exercise intervention delivered in a real-world community setting. An additional objective was to assess the feasibility and safety of implementing a structured exercise program as an extension of post-discharge rehabilitation to support functional recovery and safe participation in community life.
Design: This study employed a controlled intervention design involving community-dwelling adults with chronic stroke. Participants were allocated to either an exercise intervention group or a usual-care control group. The intervention consisted of supervised, twice-weekly, 60-minute exercise sessions for 8 weeks, incorporating aerobic, resistance, and balance exercises in a circuit-based format. Functional outcomes related to body functions and activities were assessed before and after the intervention using standardized physical performance measures. Safety and adherence were monitored throughout the intervention period.
Results:
Participants in the exercise group showed improvements in lower-limb strength, balance, mobility, endurance, flexibility, and overall physical performance after the 8-week intervention, while no meaningful changes were observed in the control group. Improvements were observed across functional domains related to daily activities and community mobility. No intervention-related adverse events were reported.
Conclusion:
A supervised, community-based multicomponent exercise program was feasible and improved functional outcomes in individuals living with stroke, supporting its role as an extension of post-discharge rehabilitation to promote functional recovery and safe mobility.
