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 High-Intensity Resistance Training on Strength, Mobility, Balance, and Fatigue in Individuals With Multiple Sclerosis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Background and Purpose : Resistance exercise via negative , eccentrically induced work ( RENEW ) has been shown to be associated with improvements in strength , mobility , and balance in multiple clinical population s. However , RENEW has not been reported for individuals with multiple sclerosis ( MS ) . Methods : Nineteen individuals with MS ( 8 men , 11 women ; age mean = 49 ± 11 years ; Exp and ed Disability Status Scale [ EDSS ] mean = 5.2 ± 0.9 ) were r and omized into either st and ard exercise ( ST AND ) or st and ard exercise and RENEW training ( RENEW ) for 3 × /week for 12 weeks . Outcome measures were lower extremity strength ( hip/knee flexion and extension , ankle plantar and dorsiflexion , and the sum of these individual values [ sum strength ] ) ; Timed Up and Go ( TUG ) , 10-m walk , self-selected pace ( TMWSS ) and maximal-pace ( TMWMP ) , stair ascent ( S-A ) and descent ( S-D ) and 6-Minute Walk Test ( 6MWT ) , Berg Balance Scale ( BBS ) , Fatigue Severity Scale ( FSS ) . Results : No significant time effects or interactions were observed for strength , TUG , TMWSS , TMWMP , or 6MWT . However , the mean difference in sum strength in the RENEW group was 38.60 ( representing a 15 % increase ) compared to the sum strength observed in the ST AND group with a mean difference of 5.58 ( a 2 % increase ) . A significant interaction was observed for S-A , S-D , and BBS as the ST AND group improved whereas the RENEW group did not improve in these measures . Discussion and Conclusions : Contrary to results in other population s , the addition of eccentric training to st and ard exercises did not result in significantly greater lower extremity strength gains in this group of individuals with MS . Further this training was not as effective as st and ard exercise alone in improving balance or the ability to ascend and descend stairs . Following data collection , re assessment of required sample size indicates we were likely underpowered to detect strength differences between groups
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 .