Progressive resistance training after stroke: Effects on muscle strength, muscle tone, gait performance and perceived participation

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate the effects of progressive resistance training on muscle strength, muscle tone, gait performance and perceived participation after stroke. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Subjects: Twenty-four subjects (mean age 61 years (standard deviation 5)) 6-48 months post-stroke. Methods: The training group (n = 15) participated in supervised progressive resistance training of the knee muscles (80% of maximum) twice weekly for 10 weeks, and the control group (n = 9) continued their usual daily activities. Both groups were assessed before and after the intervention and at follow-up after 5 months. Muscle strength was evaluated dynamically and isokinetically (60°/sec) and muscle tone by the Modified Ashworth Scale. Gait performance was evaluated by Timed "Up & Go", Fast Gait Speed and 6-Minute Walk tests, and perceived participation by Stroke Impact Scale. Results: Muscle strength increased significantly after progressive resistance training with no increase in muscle tone and improvements were maintained at follow-up. Both groups improved in gait performance, but at follow-up only Timed "Up & Go" and perceived participation were significantly better for the training group. Conclusions: Progressive resistance training is an effective intervention to improve muscle strength in chronic stroke. There appear to be long-term benefits, but further studies are needed to clarify the effects, specifically of progressive resistance training on gait performance and participation.

No Specific Effect of Whole-Body Vibration Training in Chronic Stroke: A Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Study

“…4 Ten weeks of progressive resistance training (PRT; 80% of 1 Repetition Maximum) after stroke significantly improved knee muscle strength (+14% to +73%) as well as gait performance (+10% to +19%), without any negative effects on muscle tone. 26 When comparing these two interventions, the magnitude of the improvements was much larger after PRT than after WBV training in individuals with chronic stroke.…”

Virtual-Reality Balance Training with a Video-Game System Improves Dynamic Balance in Chronic Stroke Patients

“…Thus, various interventions, such as neurodevelopmental treatment (Graham et al 2009), task-oriented training (Leroux et al 2006), and progressive resistance training (Flansbjer et al 2008) have been devised to improve the balancing ability in stroke patients. However, traditional balance training schemes rely on the repetition of specific movements, which many patients find aimless and boring, resulting in reduced motivation and compliance with training programs (Gil-Gomez et al 2011).…”

Effects of 3-month Combined Functional Training at an Adult Day-care Facility on Lower Extremity Muscle Strength and Gait Performance in Community-dwelling People with Chronic Hemiplegia

“…I n c o n t r a s t , w h i l e p r e v i o u s s t u d i e s r e p o r t e d improvements ranging from 18% to 54% for knee extensors or flexors 35) , the results of the present study showed improvements in 1RM (36.4%) generated by the major muscle groups of the lower extremity, despite the lower frequency and intensity of our study protocol. In general, previous studies have supported the contention that the muscle weakness observed in chronic stroke subjects can be modified through appropriate exercise 28,36,37) . The performance of normal movement requires the ability to execute alternating movements at various functional speeds, while maintaining appropriate timing between antagonist muscle groups.…”