THERAPEUTIC EXERCISE FOR PATIENTS WITH STROKE

The aim of this observational study, using a quasi-experimental pre-post design, is to evaluate the effectiveness of the EINTER group-based therapeutic exercise programme in improving muscle strength and aerobic endurance in adult patients with post-stroke impairments admitted to the Long- and Medium-Stay Neurorehabilitation Unit at Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet in Zaragoza. The main research questions are: Does the EINTER programme improve patients' muscle strength, as assessed using the Medical Research Council scale and the 30-Second Sit-to-Stand Test? Does the programme improve aerobic endurance, as assessed using the 2-Minute Walk Test? Is the programme satisfactory for the participating patients? As there will be no control group, the outcomes obtained before the start of the programme will be compared with those recorded at hospital discharge. Approximately 30 patients aged 18 years or older who participate in the programme during their hospital stay will be included. Participants will undertake: Aerobic training on a stationary bicycle twice per week. Progressive strength training three times per week. A group-based programme lasting up to four weeks, with a maximum of four patients per physiotherapist. Functional assessments before and after the intervention, together with a satisfaction questionnaire administered at hospital discharge.

Inclusion Criteria: * Aged 18 years or older. * Diagnosis of stroke. * Admission to the Neurorehabilitation Unit at Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet. * Sufficient clinical and functional capacity to participate in the programme, as assessed by the multidisciplinary team. * Agreement to participate in the study. * Availability of both baseline and final assessments. Exclusion Criteria: * Age under 18 years. * Absence of a confirmed diagnosis of stroke. * Not being admitted to the Neurorehabilitation Unit at Hospital Universitario Miguel Servet. * Presence of a clinical condition or medical contraindication that prevents safe participation in therapeutic exercise. * Insufficient clinical, cognitive, behavioural, or functional capacity to understand instructions or safely complete the programme, as assessed by the multidisciplinary team. * Clinical instability or significant deterioration during the study period. * Refusal or withdrawal of consent to participate in the study.