The effects of isokinetic eccentric resistance exercise for the hip joint on functional gait of stroke patients

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of resistance exercise strengthening the hip flexor and extensor muscles on functional gait of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty patients were randomized into two groups. Both groups performed conventional physical therapy for six weeks. The experimental group also performed isokinetic eccentric resistance exercises for the hip flexor and extensor muscles. The hip muscle strength, stair up and down time, TUG time(timed up and go test), and 10 m gait velocity were measured at the baseline, and after 3 weeks, and 6 weeks of treatment. [Results] The experimental showed significant improvements compared to the baseline in hip muscle strength, stair up and down time, TUG time and 10 m gait velocity after 3 and 6 weeks of treatment. After 3 and 6 weeks of treatment, there were gains in hip muscle strength and 10 m gait velocity. The control group showed no significant increase in hip muscle strength, stair up and down time, TUG time or 10 m gait velocity. [Conclusion] We consider that conventional physical therapy contributes to the improvement of functional gait of stroke patients. However, it is more desirable to perform isokinetic eccentric resistance exercises for hip flexor and extensor muscles combined with conventional physical therapy for the improvement of hip muscle strength, stair up and down time, TUG time and 10 m gait velocity.