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 isokinetic strength training on walking in persons with stroke: a double-blind controlled pilot study.
OBJECTIVES The goal most often stated by persons with stroke is improved walking function . The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of isokinetic strength training on walking performance , muscle strength , and health-related quality of life in survivors of chronic stroke . METHODS Twenty participants ( age , 61.2 + /- 8.4 years ) with chronic stroke were r and omized into 2 groups . The experimental group undertook maximal concentric isokinetic strength training , whereas the control group received passive range of motion of the paretic lower extremity 3 times a week for 6 weeks . The Kin-Com Isokinetic Dynamometer ( Chattanooga Group Inc. , TN ) was used for both the strengthening and passive range of motion exercises . The Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare the changes in scores ( postintervention minus baseline ) between the control and experimental groups for a composite lower extremity strength score , walking speed ( level-walking and stair-walking ) and health-related quality of life measure ( 36-Item Short Form Health Survey [ SF-36 ] ) . RESULTS Both the experimental and control groups increased their strength and walking speed postintervention ; however , there were no differences in the changes in walking speed between the groups . There was a trend ( P = .06 ) toward greater strength improvement in the experimental group compared with the control group . No changes in SF-36 scores were found in either group . CONCLUSIONS Intervention aim ed at increasing strength did not result in improvements in walking . The results of this study stress the importance of controlled clinical trials in determining the effect of specific treatment approaches . Strength training in conjunction with other task-related training may be indicated
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 .