Coralie English, Susan L. Hillier
DOI: 10.2340/16501977-0824

Objective: To examine the effectiveness of group circuit class therapy for improving the mobility of adults after stroke.
Design: Cochrane systematic review.
Methods: A comprehensive search strategy was used to find randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials of adults post-stroke receiving circuit class therapy. Two authors independently selected trials for inclusion, assessed the methodological rigor and extracted data.
Results: Six trials were included, involving 292 participants; most were community-dwelling survivors who were able to walk independently. Circuit class therapy was effective in improving walking ability (6-minute walk test mean difference, 76. 6 m, 95% confidence interval 38. 4–114. 7, walking speed mean difference 0. 12 m/s, 95% confidence interval 0–0. 24) and balance (step test mean difference 3. 0 steps, 95% confidence interval 0. 08–5. 9, activities specific balance confidence mean difference 7. 76 points, 95% confidence interval 0. 66–14. 9). Other balance measures did not show a difference in effect. Results from two studies suggest that circuit class therapy can reduce length of hospital stay (mean difference –19. 7 days, 95% confidence interval –35. 4 to –4. 0). Two studies measured adverse events (falls); all were minor.
Conclusion: Circuit class therapy is safe and effective in improving mobility in people after stroke and, when provided as part of hospital-based rehabilitation, may reduce length of stay.