The effect of a course of therapeutic exercise on life satisfaction in stroke patients with paralysis
Subject Areas :Shayan ErfanMehr 1 , Ghobad Hasanpour 2 *
1 -
2 - Departmen of Sport Physiology, Marv.C., Islamic Azad Univercity, Marvdasht, Iran.
Keywords: Stroke, Hemiplegia, Exercise Therapy, Quality of Life, Rehabilitation,
Abstract :
Introduction: Stroke is one of the most important causes of chronic disability in adults, causing impairment in motor, mental, and social functions and severely reducing the quality and satisfaction of patients' lives. Life satisfaction is a multidimensional concept that is severely affected in stroke patients due to reduced mobility, dependence, and depression . Exercise therapy, as a non-pharmacological and low-cost intervention, in addition to improving physical function, improves mood, self-confidence, and social interaction in patients. The
research methodology: This quasi-experimental study was conducted with a pretest-posttest design and a control group in 1403. 30 stroke patients were randomly assigned to two exercise therapy and control groups. The intervention group underwent stretching, balance, and resistance exercises for 8 weeks, and the main research instrument was a questionnaire. The findings showed that the average quality of life score in the exercise therapy group increased significantly, while no change was observed in the control group.
Findings: The mean quality of life score in the exercise therapy group increased from pre-test to post-test, which was statistically significant. Improvements were also observed in all four dimensions of quality of life (physical, psychological, social, and environmental). The control group did not show any significant change. Covariance analysis also confirmed the effect of the exercise therapy intervention. These results indicate a positive, independent, and strong effect of exercise therapy on improving the quality of life of stroke patients.
Conclusion: The results of the study showed that exercise therapy significantly increased life satisfaction in stroke patients without the need for other interventions. This method is safe, inexpensive, and can be implemented at home, and it improves the physical, mental, and social functioning of patients. Exercise therapy can be recommended as a main part of the rehabilitation program for stroke patients.
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