The results revealed that despite significant strength gains , many studies failed to show a significant improvement in walking capacity .
Strength testing and strengthening exercises were prioritized for the knee extensors and flexors , despite their relatively minor role in human walking .
Strengthening exercises performed in the neurologic population are not specific to the main muscle groups responsible for the power generation required for walking .
There is a predisposition for strength testing and strengthening exercises to focus on the knee flexors and extensors despite their relatively minor role during walking .
The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the task specificity of strength training programs for walking in neurologic rehabilitation .
Effects of long-term resistance training and simultaneous electro-stimulation on muscle strength and functional mobility in multiple sclerosis
Background : Resistance training studies in multiple sclerosis ( MS ) often use short intervention periods . Furthermore , training efficiency could be optimized by unilateral training and /or electrical stimulation . Objective : To examine the effect(s ) of unilateral long-term ( 20 weeks ) st and ardized resistance training with and without simultaneous electro-stimulation on leg muscle strength and overall functional mobility . Methods : A r and omized controlled trial involving 36 persons with MS . At baseline ( PRE ) and after 10 ( MID ) and 20 ( POST ) weeks of st and ardized ( ACSM ) light to moderately intense unilateral leg resistance training ( RESO , n = 11 ) only or resistance training with simultaneous electro-stimulation ( RESE , n = 11 , 100 Hz , biphasic symmetrical wave , 400 µs ) , maximal isometric strength of the knee extensors and flexors ( 45 ° , 90 ° knee angle ) and dynamic ( 60–180 ° /s ) knee-extensor strength was measured and compared with a control group ( CON , n = 14 ) . Functional mobility was evaluated using the Timed Get Up and Go , Timed 25 Foot Walk , Two-Minute Walk Test , Functional Reach and Rivermead Mobility Index . Results : Maximal isometric knee extensor ( 90 ° , MID : + 10 ± 3 % , POST : + 10 ± 4 % ) in RESO and knee flexor ( 45 ° , POST : + 7 ± 4 % ; 90 ° , POST : + 9 ± 5 % ) in RESE strength increased ( p < 0.05 ) compared with CON but RESO and RESE did not differ . Also , impaired legs responded positively to resistance training ( unilateral leg strength analysis ) and functional reaching increased significantly in RESO ( + 18 % ) compared with CON . Dynamic muscle strength and the remaining functional mobility tests did not change . Conclusion : Long-term light to moderately intense resistance training improves muscle strength in persons with MS but simultaneous electro-stimulation does not further improve training outcome
The results revealed that despite significant strength gains , many studies failed to show a significant improvement in walking capacity .
Strength testing and strengthening exercises were prioritized for the knee extensors and flexors , despite their relatively minor role in human walking .
Strengthening exercises performed in the neurologic population are not specific to the main muscle groups responsible for the power generation required for walking .
There is a predisposition for strength testing and strengthening exercises to focus on the knee flexors and extensors despite their relatively minor role during walking .
The aim of this systematic review was to investigate the task specificity of strength training programs for walking in neurologic rehabilitation .