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 .
A randomized controlled trial of supervised versus unsupervised exercise programs for ambulatory stroke survivors.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Little is known about the relative efficacy of supervised versus unsupervised community exercise programs for stroke survivors . This study compared the effectiveness of a 10-week supervised strengthening and conditioning program ( supervised ) with a 1-week supervised instruction program followed by a 9-week unsupervised home program ( unsupervised ) and evaluated retention of changes at 6 months and 1 year after program completion . METHODS Seventy-two subjects retained at baseline ( 27 women , 45 men ; mean+/-SD age , 64.6+/-11.8 years ) were r and omly allocated to receive the supervised or unsupervised program . The primary outcome was walking speed over 6 minutes , and secondary outcome measures were Human Activity Profile , Medical Outcome Study 36-Item Short-Form survey ( SF-36 ) , Physiological Cost Index , and lower extremity muscle strength . RESULTS The 6-minute walking speed increased significantly in both groups and remained significantly improved by 1 year . The Human Activity Profile demonstrated an increasing trend only in the supervised group that was significant by 1 year . The SF-36 Physical Component summary score increased significantly in the supervised group and remained improved by 1 year ; the unsupervised group showed significant improvement at 1 year . Women made greater gains in supervised programs , but men made greater gains in unsupervised programs . CONCLUSIONS Supervised exercise programs and unsupervised programs after initial supervised instruction were both associated with physical benefits that were retained for 1 year , although supervised programs showed trends to greater improvements in self-reported gains . Gender differences require further research
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 .