Effect of Cross Training Using Progressive Resistive Exercises on Gait and Balance in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Neha Ranjan; Saif Khan

Effect of Cross Training Using Progressive Resistive Exercises on Gait and Balance in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Author(s)	Dr. Neha Ranjan, Dr. Saif Khan
Country	India
Abstract	Background: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide, with impaired balance and gait being among the most common functional limitations following stroke. Progressive resistive exercises (PRE) are widely used in stroke rehabilitation; however, the potential benefits of cross training through strengthening of the unaffected limb remain inadequately explored. Objective: To investigate the effect of cross training using progressive resistive exercises of the unaffected lower limb on balance and gait performance in individuals with subacute stroke. Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted involving 30 individuals with first-ever subacute stroke (30–150 days post-stroke). Participants were randomly allocated using the lottery method into an experimental group (n = 15) and a control group (n = 15). The experimental group received progressive resistive exercises for both the affected and unaffected lower limbs, whereas the control group received progressive resistive exercises only for the affected lower limb. Both groups received intervention for six weeks, three sessions per week. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), walking speed, and cadence, assessed at baseline and after completion of the intervention. Statistical analysis was performed using within-group and between-group comparisons with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements in balance and gait parameters following the intervention (p < 0.001). The experimental group showed significantly greater improvement in Berg Balance Scale scores (49.66 ± 1.88 vs. 47.20 ± 3.03; p = 0.027) and walking speed (0.440 ± 0.030 m/s vs. 0.404 ± 0.025 m/s; p = 0.001) compared with the control group. Although cadence improved in both groups, the between-group difference was not statistically significant (67.88 ± 6.81 vs. 63.82 ± 3.91 steps/min; p = 0.050). Conclusion: Cross training using progressive resistive exercises of the unaffected lower limb produced superior improvements in balance and walking speed compared with conventional strengthening of the affected limb alone in individuals with subacute stroke. Cross training may therefore serve as an effective adjunct to conventional stroke rehabilitation programs.
Keywords	Stroke, Subacute Stroke, Cross Training, Progressive Resistive Exercise, Hemiplegia, Balance.
Discipline	Physical Science
Published In	Volume 4, Issue 4, July-August 2026
Published On	2026-07-13

View / Download Full-text Research PDF File

About AIJMR Fees & Payment Current Issue Publication Archive	Submit Research Paper Track Submission Status Publication Guidelines Publication Ethics Peer Review & Plagiarism	Join as a Reviewer Editors & Reviewers Reviewer Referral Program Get Reviewer Membership Certi.	Website/Journal Policies Usage Policy Content Policies Privacy Policy

Contact Us		+91-9687-828-838	editor@aijmr.com

Advanced International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research

An Open Access Peer Reviewed Multidisciplinary Bi-monthly Scholarly International Journal

Effect of Cross Training Using Progressive Resistive Exercises on Gait and Balance in Patients with Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Share this