Isokinetic strength training of the hemiparetic knee: effects on function and spasticity.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether isokinetic training can improve the strength of the hemiparetic knee musculature, functional mobility, and physical activity and to evaluate its effect on spasticity in long-term stroke survivors.


METHODS
Nonrandomized self-controlled trial.


METHODS
A volunteer sample of 15 community-dwelling stroke survivors of at least 6 months.


METHODS
A 6-week (3 days/week, 40 minutes/day) program consisting of warm-up, stretches, reciprocal knee extension and flexion isokinetic strengthening, and cool-down for the paretic limb.


METHODS
Peak isokinetic hamstring and quadriceps torque, quadriceps spasticity, gait velocity, timed Up and Go, timed stair climb, and the Human Activity Profile (HAP) scores were recorded at baseline, after training, and 4 weeks after training cessation (follow-up).


RESULTS
Paretic muscle strength improved after training (p < .05) while tone remained consistent (p > .87). Gait velocity increased after training (p < .05) and at follow-up (p < .05). Changes in stair climbing and timed Up and Go were not significant (p > .37; p > .91), although subjects perceived gains in their physical abilities at follow-up (p < .01).


CONCLUSIONS
Gains in strength and gait velocity without concomitant increases in muscle tone are possible after a short-term strengthening program for stroke survivors. The psychological benefit associated with physical activity is significant.
Sharp
S A
SA
School of Rehabilitation Therapy, Queen's University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada.
Brouwer
B J
BJ
D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D002561:Cerebrovascular Disorders / Q000150:complications*; D002908:Chronic Disease; D004576:Electromyography; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005684:Gait; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007719:Knee Joint / Q000503:physiopathology*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009128:Muscle Spasticity / Q000503:physiopathology; D018908:Muscle Weakness / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D013718:Tensile Strength; D016896:Treatment Outcome