Impact of Training on Gait and Strength in Stroke Survivors
Impact of Training on Gait and Strength in Stroke Survivors
Background: A discrepancy between strength gain and gait changes following various training
 programs aimed at improving gait function after stroke has been noted. A mismatch between the
 training program and gait parameters could explain this finding.

 Objective: To evaluate the impact of an isokinetic-strengthening program, matching the
 requirements of the affected lower-limb muscle groups involved in the energy generation of
 gait, to a control intervention, on gait performance and muscle strength.

 Hypothesis: The isokinetic training program of the affected lower-limb muscles would produce
 greater changes in gait performance and strength than a control intervention not aiming at
 training these muscle groups.

 Design: Single-blinded randomized controlled trial.

 Participants: A convenient sample of 30 individuals with chronic hemiparesis.

 Interventions: Participants were randomly assigned into two groups (n=15), each training
 three times/week for six weeks. The experimental group trained the affected plantarflexors,
 hip flexors and extensors concentrically, while the control group trained the affected
 upper-limb muscles.

 Main outcome measures: Baseline values and post-training values, taken at the end of the
 training program, of maximal voluntary concentric strength, gait speed and peak positive
 power.
Inclusion Criteria:

 -  have a chronic (six months or more) unilateral stroke

 -  be able to walk 10 meters independently with or without a cane

 -  present residual weakness at the affected lower limb

 -  have an activity tolerance of at least two hours with a rest period

 Exclusion Criteria:

 -  receptive aphasia

 -  incontinence

 -  unstable medical condition

 -  history of injury

 -  anesthesia at the lower limbs