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Strength of knee flexors of the paretic limb as an important determinant of functional status in post-stroke rehabilitation
Affiliations- Physiotherapy Laboratory, Department of Physical Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
- Faculty of Pedagogy and Health Promotion, College of Informatics and Skills of Lodz, Ul. Rzgowska 17 a, Lodz, Poland
- Clinical Department of Post Traumatic Rehabilitation, Medical University of Lodz, Ul. Pieniny 30, Lodz, Poland
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Abstract
The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the multi-modal exercise program (MMEP) in patients after stroke, and to identify muscles that are the best predictors of functional performance and changes in functional status in a 3-week rehabilitation program.
MethodsThirty-one post-stroke patients (60.6±12.7 years) participating in a 3-week MMEP took part in the study. Measurements of extensor and flexor strength of the knee (Fext, Fflex) were done. Functional performance was measured using Timed Up & Go test (TUG), 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) and Tinetti Test.
ResultsThe rehabilitation program improved all the results of functional tests, as well as the values of strength in the patients. Both baseline and post-rehabilitation functional status was associated with knee flexor and extensor muscle strength of paretic but not of non-paretic limbs. At baseline examination muscle strength difference between both Fflexkg−1 and Fextkg−1 had an influence on functional status. After rehabilitation the effect of muscle strength difference on functional status was not evident for Fextkg−1 and, interestingly, even more prominent for Fflexkg−1.
ConclusionsMMEP can effectively increase muscle strength and functional capacity in post-stroke patients. Knee flexor muscle strength of the paretic limb and the knee flexor difference between the limbs is the best predictor of functional performance in stroke survivors.
Abstract
The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the multi-modal exercise program (MMEP) in patients after stroke, and to identify muscles that are the best predictors of functional performance and changes in functional status in a 3-week rehabilitation program.
MethodsThirty-one post-stroke patients (60.6±12.7 years) participating in a 3-week MMEP took part in the study. Measurements of extensor and flexor strength of the knee (Fext, Fflex) were done. Functional performance was measured using Timed Up & Go test (TUG), 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) and Tinetti Test.
ResultsThe rehabilitation program improved all the results of functional tests, as well as the values of strength in the patients. Both baseline and post-rehabilitation functional status was associated with knee flexor and extensor muscle strength of paretic but not of non-paretic limbs. At baseline examination muscle strength difference between both Fflexkg−1 and Fextkg−1 had an influence on functional status. After rehabilitation the effect of muscle strength difference on functional status was not evident for Fextkg−1 and, interestingly, even more prominent for Fflexkg−1.
ConclusionsMMEP can effectively increase muscle strength and functional capacity in post-stroke patients. Knee flexor muscle strength of the paretic limb and the knee flexor difference between the limbs is the best predictor of functional performance in stroke survivors.
Keywords
Multi-modal exercise program, Functional performance, Muscle strength
About this articleTitle
Strength of knee flexors of the paretic limb as an important determinant of functional status in post-stroke rehabilitation
Journal
Neurologia i Neurochirurgia Polska
Issue
Pages
227-233
Page views
478
Article views/downloads
721
DOI
10.1016/j.pjnns.2017.03.004
Bibliographic record
Neurol Neurochir Pol 2017;51(3):227-233.
Keywords
Multi-modal exercise program
Functional performance
Muscle strength
Authors
Joanna Kostka
Jan Czernicki
Magdalena Pruszyńska
Elżbieta Miller
