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 .
Efficacy of Functional Strength Training on Restoration of Lower-Limb Motor Function Early After Stroke: Phase I Randomized Controlled Trial
After stroke , physiotherapy can promote brain reorganization and motor recovery . Combining muscle strength and functional training ( functional strength training , FST ) may be beneficial . The aim of the authors was to compare FST with conventional physiotherapy ( CPT ) while controlling for the potential confounder of therapy intensity in a multicenter , r and omized controlled observer-blind trial . The mean age of the participants was 68.3 ( st and ard deviation [ SD ] = 12.03 ) years at a mean of 34 ( SD = 20 ) days after stroke , with mean peak paretic knee extension torque ( torque ) of 22 ( SD = 25 ) Nm . The estimated sample size was 102 to detect a between-group difference of 0.2 m/s in walking speed . After baseline measures , participants were allocated r and omly to CPT or CPT + CPT or CPT + FST for 6 weeks . Additional experimental therapy was provided for up to 1 hour a day , 4 times each week . Outcomes were measured 6 weeks after baseline and at follow-up 12 weeks thereafter . Measures included walking speed , knee extensor torque , and functional mobility ( Rivermead ) . At outcome , both extraintensity groups showed greater increases in walking speed than the CPT group , but this reached significance only for the CPT + CPT group ( P = .031 ) . The CPT + CPT group also had a greater number of participants who walked at 0.8 m/s or above . No significant differences were observed for torque about the knee or for the Rivermead score . At follow-up , no significant differences were observed . These phase I results justify a subsequent trial of CPT + CPT versus CPT + FST
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 .