title: Effectiveness and feasibility of eccentric and task-oriented strength training in individuals with stroke.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Strength training can increase function in individuals with stroke. However it is unclear which type of strength training is most effective and feasible.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  To assess the effect and feasibility of an intervention combining eccentric and task-oriented strength training in individuals with chronic stroke.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eleven participants were randomly assigned to a group first receiving four weeks of eccentric strength training and then four weeks of task-oriented strength training (EST-TOST) or vice versa (TOST-EST). Strength and upper limb function were administered with a hand-held dynamometer (HHD) and the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) respectively. Feasibility was evaluated with the Intrinsic Motivation Inventory (IMI), the adherence and drop-out rate.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Significant increases were found in ARAT score (mean difference 7.3; p < 0.05) and in shoulder and elbow strength (mean difference respectively 23.96 N; p < 0.001 and 27.41 N; p < 0.003). Participants rated both EST and TOST with 81% on the IMI, the adherence rate was high and there was one drop-out.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results of this study show that a combination of eccentric and task-oriented strength training is an effective and feasible training method to increase function and strength in individuals with chronic stroke.
authors.affiliation: University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands.|University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mireille A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Folkerts
authors.affiliation: University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Juha M
authors.initials: JM
authors.lastname: Hijmans
authors.affiliation: University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Anne L
authors.initials: AL
authors.lastname: Elsinghorst
authors.affiliation: University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Yvon
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Mulderij
authors.affiliation: University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Human Movement Sciences, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Alessio
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Murgia
authors.affiliation: University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Groningen, The Netherlands.|University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Center for Sports Medicine, Groningen, The Netherlands.
authors.forename: Rienk
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Dekker
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D055070:Resistance Training / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D020521:Stroke / Q000503:physiopathology; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D034941:Upper Extremity / Q000503:physiopathology
keywords: Stroke; eccentric; effectiveness; feasibility; strength training; task-oriented