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Weakness and strength training in persons with poststroke hemiplegia: rationale, method, and efficacy
Carolynn Patten1, Jan Lexell, Heather E Brown
1Neuromuscular Systems Section, Rehabilitation R&D Center/153, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, 3801 Miranda Ave., Palo Alto, CA 94304, USA. patten@rrd.stanford.edu
Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development
|November 16, 2004
Summary
Weakness, not spasticity, significantly impairs movement after stroke. High-resistance training shows promise for improving strength and function in stroke survivors, guiding future rehabilitation strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurorehabilitation
- Movement Science
- Clinical Neurology
Background:
- Stroke-induced hemiplegia often results in impaired motor function.
- The relative contribution of weakness versus spasticity to functional deficits is debated.
- Contemporary evidence increasingly points to weakness as a primary factor limiting movement.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical and functional aspects of weakness in poststroke hemiplegia.
- To examine the physiological underpinnings of weakness poststroke.
- To explore the potential of high-resistance training in stroke rehabilitation.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of contemporary evidence on poststroke weakness.
- Analysis of physiological substrates contributing to hemiplegic weakness.
- Examination of early investigations into high-resistance training for stroke patients.
Main Results:
- Weakness is identified as a more significant factor in movement impairment than spasticity.
- Physiological factors contributing to weakness are being elucidated.
- Early studies suggest high-resistance training can improve strength and functional capacity.
Conclusions:
- Weakness is a critical target for intervention in poststroke hemiplegia.
- High-resistance training offers a promising avenue for enhancing strength and function.
- Further research is needed to optimize resistance training protocols for stroke rehabilitation.