Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 8, 2026

Standing Neurophysiological Assessment of Lower Extremity Muscles Post-Stroke
Published on: July 26, 2021
Factors that influence muscle weakness following stroke and their clinical implications: a critical review
Vicki Gray1, Charles L Rice, S Jayne Garland
1Graduate Program in Health and Rehabilitation Science.
Purpose:
To provide a comprehensive review of changes that occur in the muscle after stroke and how these changes influence the force-generating capacity of the muscle.
Methods:
A literature search of PubMed, CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Embase was conducted using the search terms stroke, hemiparesis, muscle structure, cross sectional area, atrophy, force, velocity, and torque. There were 27 articles included in this review.
Results:
Three changes occur in the muscle after stroke: a decrease in muscle mass, a decrease in fibre length, and a smaller pennation angle. In addition, the tendon is stretched and becomes more compliant. All of these factors reduce the affected muscle's ability to generate forces similar to controls or to non-paretic muscles. The result is a leftward shift in the length-tension curve, a downward shift in the torque-angle curve, and a downward shift in the force-velocity curve.
Conclusion:
Changes in muscle architecture contributing to weakness, such as muscle-fibre length, pennation angle, muscle atrophy, and tendon compliance, should be prevented or reversed by means of an appropriate rehabilitation programme.
Related Concept Videos
Disorders of the Skeletal Muscle
Musculoskeletal disorders
Musculoskeletal disorders involve injuries and conditions affecting the skeletal muscles and associated connective tissues. These disorders can arise from acute biomechanical stresses or chronic overuse and can occur across different age groups. Common injuries include sprains, fractures, and muscular strains, often resulting from...
Ischemic Stroke l: Introduction
Ischemic Stroke ll: Pathophysiology
Alterations in Muscle Tone ll
Myasthenia Gravis ll: Pathophysiology
Alterations in Muscle Tone lll
