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Updated: Jun 4, 2026

Determining the Functional Status of the Corticospinal Tract Within One Week of Stroke
Published on: February 22, 2020
Corticospinal tract integrity correlates with knee extensor weakness in chronic stroke survivors
Sangeetha Madhavan1, Chandramouli Krishnan, Arun Jayaraman
1Department of Physical Therapy, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago, IL, USA.
Stroke survivors with impaired corticospinal tract (CST) integrity experience significant knee extensor weakness. Maintaining CST integrity is crucial for lower extremity strength after stroke.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Rehabilitation Medicine
- Neurology
Background:
- Stroke frequently causes rapid muscle weakness, impacting motor function and overall ability.
- While muscle changes post-stroke are known, the link between motor pathway integrity and weakness is unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between corticospinal tract (CST) integrity and knee extensor weakness in chronic stroke survivors.
Main Methods:
- Assessed knee extensor strength and activation using the interpolated triplet technique.
- Evaluated CST integrity via Diffusion Tensor Imaging and transcranial magnetic stimulation.
Main Results:
- Stroke survivors exhibited significant knee extensor weakness and activation deficits in affected legs.
- Reduced CST integrity strongly correlated with decreased knee strength.
Conclusions:
- CST integrity is significantly linked to lower extremity strength in stroke survivors.
- Findings highlight the role of CST integrity in post-stroke motor impairments and inform rehabilitation strategies.
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Published on: February 19, 2019
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