title: Feasibility of ballistic strengthening exercises in neurologic rehabilitation.
abstract: Conventional methods for strength training in neurologic rehabilitation are not task specific for walking. Ballistic strength training was developed to improve the functional transfer of strength training; however, no research has investigated this in neurologic populations. The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the feasibility of applying ballistic principles to conventional leg strengthening exercises in individuals with mobility limitations as a result of neurologic injuries. Eleven individuals with neurologic injuries completed seated and reclined leg press using conventional and ballistic techniques. A 2 × 2 repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to compare power measures (peak movement height and peak velocity) between exercises and conditions. Peak jump velocity and peak jump height were greater when using the ballistic jump technique rather than the conventional concentric technique (P < 0.01). These findings suggest that when compared with conventional strengthening exercises, the incorporation of ballistic principles was associated with increased peak height and peak velocities.
authors.affiliation: From the Department of Physiotherapy, University of Melbourne, Parkville (GW, KP); Physiotherapy Department, Epworth Hospital, Richmond (GW); School of Exercise Science, Australian Catholic University, Fitzroy (RAC, JH, KP); and Walk On Melbourne, Whitten Oval Sporting Complex, West Footscray (JH), Victoria, Australia.
authors.forename: Gavin
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Williams
authors.forename: Ross A
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Clark
authors.forename: Jessica
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Hansson
authors.forename: Kade
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Paterson
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D001930:Brain Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000379:methods*; D013119:Spinal Cord Injuries / Q000534:rehabilitation; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D055815:Young Adult