Table 2.
Effect of muscle strengthening on walking.
| Author, Year | Subjects | Program description | Results |
|---|---|---|---|
| Glasser [63] 1986 |
N=20 3–6 months post-stroke |
Strength Group (n=10): 5 week physical therapy with kinetron isokinetic LE exercise (resisted reciprocal hip/knee flexion during semi-sitting posture progressed from 10–30 minutes of the 2 one hour physical therapy sessions/day) Control Group (n=10): 5 week inpatient physical therapy (5X week, 2 one hour sessions/day) |
No group difference in functional ambulation profile (includes speed, number of steps, step length) |
| Kim et al. [64] 2001 |
N=20 > 1 year post-stroke Able to walk independently with or without devices. |
Strength Group (n=10): 6 week isokinetic paretic strengthening (hip, knee, ankle). Control Group (n=10): 6 week passive exercise |
No group difference in gait or stair speed. |
| Bourbonnais et al. [65] 2002 |
N=25 chronic stroke |
6 week, 3X week, visual feedback of multi-joint, multi-directional isometric force generation (coordination exercises). Strength Group (n=12): varying combinations of hip, knee and ankle forces (40–90% MVC). Control Group (n=13): varying combinations of shoulder, elbow, and grip forces (progress from 20–60% MVC). |
Gait speed*: Leg strength group +25%, Control +0%* 2 min walk*: Leg strength group +17%, Control +1%* No group difference in Timed up and Go Test. |
| Moreland et al. [66] 2003 |
N=133 (multi-centre) < 6 months post-stroke Inpatient rehabilitation |
Strength Group (n=54): Conventional + resistive exercises with weights, 30 minutes, 3X/week Control Group (n=52): Inpatient conventional physical therapy |
No group difference in 2 minute walk test at 4 weeks, discharge and 6 months post discharge. |
| Ouellette et al. [67] 2004 |
N=42 6 months to 6 years post-stroke Mild to moderate stroke Community-dwelling Independent ambulator |
12 weeks, 3X/week Strength Group (n=21): 3 sets of 8–10 reps, at 70% at 1 repetition maximum Resisted exercises of unilateral knee extension, ankle dorsiflexion, and plantarflexion of paretic and non-paretic side; Seated bilateral leg press Control Group (n=21): range of motion exercises |
No group difference in 6MWT, stair climb, self-paced and maximal gait speed. |
+/− % indicates percent increase or decrease from baseline.
*
indicates significant comparison reported in study.