Effects of functional strength training in individuals with hemiplegia after stroke.

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Many studies suggested that strength training is important for improvement of motor function in individuals with hemiplegia after stroke. However, it is not clear whether a task oriented training to improve the walking in this population can increase their muscle strength. First study was conducted to compare between peak joint torque measured using 3D gait analysis and maximum isometric strength measured using hand-held dynamometer at same joint. The result revealed that peak joint torque during walking was higher than maximum isometric strength at hip extensor, knee flexor and plantarflexor muscles. Second study was conducted randomized control trial to examine the effects of task oriented gait training for muscle strengthening. These results showed maximum isometric strengths at hip extensor, knee flexor and plantarflexor muscles were increased during intervention phase with improvement of Timed Up and Go test. Generally, Progressive Resistance Training required the overload to the target muscle. Most of stroke patients can not perform the strong muscle contraction, because voluntary muscle contraction is difficult due to dysfunction of cortico-spinal tract. Task oriented gait training has a potential to increase the muscle strength instead of strength training.