Muscle properties and functional recovery until one year after stroke

A. M H Horstman*, H. L. Gerrits, T. W J Janssen, A. De Haan

*Corresponding author for this work

    Research output: Chapter in Book / Report / Conference proceedingConference contributionAcademicpeer-review

    Abstract

    Purpose: to investigate functional performance in relation to muscle function during first year after stroke. Methods: Maximal voluntary isometric torques of knee extensors (MVTe) and flexors (MVTf) were obtained in 14 patients with subacute stroke (bilaterally) 3.5±2 months after stroke and 3 (n=8), 6 (n=5) and 12 months (n=3) thereafter and in 12 age-matched able-bodied subjects. Maximal triplet response (intrinsic muscle strength), maximal rate of torque development (MRTD) and degree of voluntary activation of knee extensors were estimated. Patients performed 7 tests of functional performance. Results: In the paretic lower limb (PL), all parameters significantly (0.494<|r|<0.909) improved during all follow-ups. In the non-paretic lower limb (NL) most improvement occurred within the first 3 months. For NL and PL, MVTe improved 5 and 16%, respectively MVTf 3 and 20%, triplet 0 and 13%, activation 8 and 9%, MRTD 16 and 61%. Significant correlations (0.460<|r|<0.906) were found between all tests of functional performance and all muscle parameters of PL and all parameters (0.454<|r|<0.873) but triplet and MRTD of NL. Conclusion: All strength parameters correlated significantly with functional performance. Therefore, it is recommended to investigate the role of strength training of both legs during at least the first year of stroke.

    Original languageEnglish
    Title of host publicationRehabilitation
    Subtitle of host publicationMobility, Exercise and Sports. 4th International State-of-theArt Congress
    Pages152-154
    Number of pages3
    Volume26
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2010

    Publication series

    NameAssistive Technology Research Series
    Volume26
    ISSN (Print)1383-813X
    ISSN (Electronic)1879-8071

    Keywords

    • functional performance
    • longitudinal study
    • maximal voluntary contraction
    • muscle properties
    • stroke

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