Group therapy task training versus individual task training during inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a randomised controlled trial

Objective:To compare the efficacy of intensive daily applied progressive group therapy task training with equally dosed individual progressive task training on self-reported mobility for patients with moderate to severe stroke during inpatient rehabilitation.Design:Randomized controlled clinical trial.Setting:In-patient rehabilitation center.Subjects:A total of 73 subacute patients with stroke who were not able to walk without physical assistance at randomisation.Interventions:Patients were allocated to group therapy task training (GT) or individual task training (IT). Both interventions were intended to improve walking competency and comprised 30 sessions of 90 minutes over six weeks.Main measures:Primary outcome was the mobility domain of the Stroke Impact Scale (SIS-3.0). Secondary outcomes were the other domains of SIS-3.0, standing balance, gait speed, walking distance, stair climbing, fatigue, anxiety and depression.Results:No adverse events were reported in either arm of the trial. There were no si...