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A community-based exercise intervention to reduce functional risk factors for injury among stroke survivors in South Korea: a pilot randomized controlled trial

Year: 2026

Type: article

Study designs: Randomized Controlled Trial, Clinical Trial

Abstract: Stroke survivors living in the community often experience persistent impairments in muscle strength, balance, mobility, and cardiorespiratory fitness after hospital discharge, which increase vulnerability during daily activities. This pilot randomized controlled trial evaluated the feasibility of a supervised, circuit-based community exercise program and explored its potential effects on functional outcomes related to injury risk. Twenty community-dwelling adults with chronic stroke were randomized to an exercise group (EXG; n = 10) or a control group (CNG; n = 10), and 17 participants (EXG: n = 8; CNG: n = 9) completed the study. The EXG participated in a supervised multicomponent exercise program twice weekly for 8 weeks, while the CNG maintained usual activities. Outcomes included muscle strength, cardiorespiratory endurance, flexibility, balance, respiratory function, and physical performance. Between-group differences were analyzed using analysis of covariance adjusting for baseline values. The intervention showed high adherence with no adverse events. Exploratory analyses indicated improvements in multiple functional domains in the EXG compared with the CNG, although some outcomes did not reach statistical significance after adjustment. These findings support the feasibility and safety of community-based exercise and suggest potential benefits for improving functional risk factors associated with safe mobility after stroke. Larger trials are needed to confirm these results.

Source: Scientific Reports

DOI: 10.1038/s41598-026-50927-y

Authors: Dongheon Kang, Seon-Deok Eun, Jiyoung Park

Institutions: Ministry of Health and Welfare, National Rehabilitation Center, Wonkwang University

Language: English

Topic: Stroke Rehabilitation and Recovery

Subfield: Rehabilitation

Field: Medicine

Domain: Health Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $2,690