High-intensity resistance training improves muscle strength, self-reported function, and Disability in long-term stroke survivors

• Published in: Stroke (1970) Vol. 35; no. 6; pp. 1404 - 1409
• Main Authors: OUELLETTE, Michelle M, LEBRASSEUR, Nathan K, BEAN, Jonathan F, PHILLIPS, Edward, STEIN, Joel, FRONTERA, Walter R, FIELDING, Roger A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Hagerstown, MD Lippincott Williams & Wilkins 01.06.2004
• Subjects: Aged; Biological and medical sciences; Disability Evaluation; Exercise Therapy - methods; Female; Humans; Male; Medical sciences; Muscles - physiopathology; Neurology; Patient Compliance; Stroke - diagnosis; Stroke Rehabilitation; Survivors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular diseases and vascular malformations of the nervous system; Physical exercise; Stroke; Nervous system diseases; High intensity; Cardiovascular disease; exercise; cerebrovascular accident; Cerebral disorder; recovery of function; Vascular disease; Central nervous system disease; Rehabilitation; Cerebrovascular disease; Strength
• ISSN: 0039-2499; 1524-4628
• DOI: 10.1161/01.str.0000127785.73065.34

To evaluate the efficacy of supervised high-intensity progressive resistance training (PRT) on lower extremity strength, function, and disability in older, long-term stroke survivors. Forty-two volunteers aged 50 years and above, 6 months to 6 years after a single mild to moderate stroke, were randomized into either a control group of upper extremity stretching or a PRT group that received a 12-week supervised high-intensity resistance training program consisting of bilateral leg press (LP), unilateral paretic and nonparetic knee extension (KE), ankle dorsiflexion (DF), and plantarflexion (PF) exercises. Functional performance was assessed using the 6-minute walk, stair-climb time, repeated chair-rise time, and habitual and maximal gait velocities. Self-reported changes in function and disability were evaluated using the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument (LLFDI). Single-repetition maximum strength significantly improved in the PRT group for LP (16.2%), paretic KE (31.4%), and nonparetic KE (38.2%) with no change in the control group. Paretic ankle DF (66.7% versus -24.0%), paretic ankle PF (35.5% versus -20.3%), and nonparetic ankle PF (14.7% versus -13.8%) significantly improved in the PRT group compared with the control. The PRT group showed significant improvement in self-reported function and disability with no change in the control. There was no significant difference between groups for any performance-based measure of function. High-intensity PRT improves both paretic and nonparetic lower extremity strength after stroke, and results in reductions in functional limitations and disability.