Maximal strength training enhances strength and functional performance in chronic stroke survivors.

Abstract

OBJECTIVE:

This study aimed to demonstrate that maximal strength training improves muscle strength and to assess the effect of training on function, aerobic status, and quality-of-life among chronic stroke survivors.

DESIGN:

Ten patients acted as their own controls for 4 wks, before an 8-week training intervention. Patients trained 3 days/wk, with four sets of four repetitions at 85%-95% one repetition maximum in unilateral leg press and plantarflexion with an emphasis on maximal mobilization of force in the concentric phase.

RESULTS:

After training, leg press strength improved by 30.6 kg (75%) and 17.8 kg (86%); plantarflexion strength improved by 35.5 kg (89%) and 28.5 kg (223%) for the unaffected and affected limbs, respectively, significantly different from the control period (all P < 0.01). The 6-min walk test improved by 13.9 m (within training period; P = 0.01), and the Timed Up and Go test time improved by 0.6 secs (within training period; P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in walking economy, peak aerobic capacity, Four-Square Step Test, or health-related quality-of-life after training.

CONCLUSIONS:

Maximal strength training improved muscle strength in the most affected as well as in the nonaffected leg and improved Timed-Up-And-Go time and 6-min walk distance but did not alter Four-Step Square Test time, aerobic status, or quality-of-life among chronic stroke survivors.

• Authors: Tessa R Hill, Tor Ivar Gjellesvik, Per Marius R Moen, Tom Tørhaug, Marius S Fimland, Jan Helgerud, Jan Hoff
• Journal: American journal of physical medicine & rehabilitation (Am J Phys Med Rehabil) Vol. 91 Issue 5 Pg. 393-400 (May 2012) ISSN: 1537-7385 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 22357133 (Publication Type: Controlled Clinical Trial, Journal Article)

Topics

• Adult
• Cohort Studies
• Exercise Test
• Female
• Humans
• Male
• Middle Aged
• Muscle Strength (physiology)
• Muscle, Skeletal (physiopathology)
• Physical Endurance (physiology)
• Quality of Life
• Recovery of Function (physiology)
• Resistance Training
• Stroke (physiopathology)
• Stroke Rehabilitation
• Treatment Outcome
• Young Adult