Stretch-shortening cycle in patients with upper motor neuron lesions due to stroke

The stretch-shortening cycle (SSC) is a natural muscle function where a concentric action is preceded by an eccentric action, and this leads to a higher concentric torque value in healthy persons. This study aimed to investigate the concentric torque output with and without preceding eccentric or isometric actions in patients with upper motor neuron lesions due to cerebro-vascular disease. Strength measurements of the plantar flexions were made in a dynamometer at different angular velocities (120 degrees.s-1 and 240 degrees.s-1) and recordings of electromyogram (EMG) were made simultaneously. The assessment was based on comparisons of the concentric torque values with and without preceding actions. The study showed a significantly higher percentage increase in concentric torque values after preceding actions in the affected leg compared with the nonaffected leg except at 120 degrees.s-1 with preceding isometric action. Relative EMG changes showed no differences between the legs except at 120 degrees.s-1 with preceding isometric action. We would suggest that the higher performance of the affected leg was caused by better utilization of elastic energy due to muscle stiffness which, despite reduced muscle strength, may have returned the patient's functional ability towards normal.