In 2007, controlled trial conducted by Coralie K English and colleagues, the effectiveness of circuit class therapy versus individual physiotherapy (PT) sessions in enhancing walking ability and functional balance among stroke survivors undergoing inpatient rehabilitation was examined.

This non-randomized, single-blind study involved sixty-eight participants receiving inpatient stroke rehabilitation within a medical rehabilitation ward. The participants were divided into two groups: one receiving group circuit class therapy and the other receiving individual treatment sessions as their exclusive PT service throughout their inpatient stay.

Key outcome measures included the five-meter walk test (5MWT), two-minute walk test (2MWT), and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), which were assessed four weeks after admission. Secondary outcome measures encompassed the Iowa Level of Assistance Scale, Motor Assessment Scale upper-limb items, and patient satisfaction. Assessments were conducted upon admission and after four weeks.

The results revealed significant improvements in both groups across all primary outcome measures during the four-week period. However, there were no notable differences between the groups in the primary outcome measures at the end of the four weeks (5MWT mean difference, .07m/s; 2MWT mean difference, 1.8m; BBS mean difference, 3.9 points). Notably, a higher proportion of participants in the circuit class therapy group demonstrated the ability to walk independently upon discharge (P=.01) and reported satisfaction with the amount of therapy received (P=.007).

In conclusion, the study suggests that circuit class therapy is as effective as individual PT sessions for stroke survivors undergoing inpatient rehabilitation. Furthermore, the findings highlight the potential benefits of circuit classes in terms of promoting increased walking independence and patient satisfaction. This model of service delivery warrants further exploration in stroke rehabilitation settings

Reference: English, C. K., Hillier, S. L., Stiller, K. R., & Warden-Flood, A. (2007). Circuit class therapy versus individual physiotherapy sessions during inpatient stroke rehabilitation: a controlled trial. Archives of physical medicine and rehabilitation, 88(8), 955-963.