Influence of Resistance Exercise Training to Strengthen Muscles across Multiple Joints of the Lower Limbs on Dynamic Balance Functions of Stroke Patients

Abstract

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of resistance exercise training for strengthening muscles across multiple joints on the dynamic balance function of stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] Subjects in the training group (n=14) and the control group (n=14) received conservative physical therapy for 30 minutes per day, five days per week, for a period of six weeks. The training group additionally performed three sets (eight to 10 repetitions per set) of resistance exercise at 70% of the 1-repetition maximum (1RM) to strengthen muscles across multiple joints. The control group did the same exercises for the same duration but without resistance. To assess dynamic balance function, before and after the intervention, we measured antero-posterior (A-P) and medio-lateral (M-L) sway distances, the Berg balance scale (BBS), and the timed up and go (TUG) times. [Results] Compared to pre-intervention values, the BBS score showed significant increases in both groups, and A-P and M-L sway distances and TUG times showed significant decreases in both groups. Changes in A-P and M-L sway distances, BBS scores, and TUG times were significantly different between the muscle training group and the control group. [Conclusion] Training involving muscle strength across multiple joints is an effective intervention for improvement of dynamic balance function of stroke patients.

Resistance training in stroke rehabilitation: systematic review and meta-analysis

“…Nine studies compared the effectiveness of different resistance training protocols in rehabilitation after stroke (Table 3, Figure S1). 26,28,29,41,45,[47][48][49][50] Participants and interventions: A total of 286 patients between three months and five years after acute incident were enrolled. About 12-40 training sessions were applied.…”

“…-Gait 26,29,41,45,[47][48][49][50] (Six Minute Walk Test, Ten Meter Walk Test, Timed Up and Go, Stair Climbing Power, fast, self-selected and habitual walking speed, plantar pressure distribution, swing phase duration). -Muscular force and motor function of lower limbs 26,41,45,[47][48][49] (isometric force, dynamic force, eccentric and concentric force of lower limb muscles (knee flexion and extension)).…”

“…-Muscular force and motor function of lower limbs 26,41,45,[47][48][49] (isometric force, dynamic force, eccentric and concentric force of lower limb muscles (knee flexion and extension)). -Mobility, balance and postural control 28,49,50 (Berg Balance Scale, anterio-posterior and medio-lateral postural balance with open eyes and with closed eyes, body weight distribution in rising and in sitting down). -Cardiorespiratory fitness 41,45 (ergometer and treadmill test (power output peak, heart rate peak, oxygen uptake peak, physical cost index, oxygen cost)).…”

A Lower Limb Rehabilitation Robot in Sitting Position with a Review of Training Activities

“…This exercise is able to activate leg muscles in a similar level compared to bodyweight exercises such as chair rise and hip thrust [ 27 ]. Moreover, it is found that chronic stroke patients not only gain strength on both affected and nonaffected legs but also have improvement in balance, walking ability, and functional performance [ 28 , 29 ].…”

A combination of multimodal physical exercises in real and virtual environments for individuals after chronic stroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial

“…Different modalities of physical exercises already have well-established benefits for individuals after chronic stroke, including repercussions for cardiovascular capacity [2], muscle strength [3, 4], balance [5, 6], gait [7, 8], and cognition [9]. In order to maximize the effects of the exercises, there is a tendency to investigate the effects of multimodal protocols.…”