Article

This study aimed to demonstrate that maximal strength training
improves muscle strength and to assess the effect of training on function,
aerobic status, and quality-of-life among chronic stroke survivors. DESIGN: Ten
patients acted as their own controls for 4 wks, before an 8-week training
intervention. Patients trained 3 days/wk, with four sets of four repetitions at
85%-95% one repetition maximum in unilateral leg press and plantarflexion with an
emphasis on maximal mobilization of force in the concentric phase.
RESULTS: After
training, leg press strength improved by 30.6 kg (75%) and 17.8 kg (86%);
plantarflexion strength improved by 35.5 kg (89%) and 28.5 kg (223%) for the
unaffected and affected limbs, respectively, significantly different from the
control period (all P < 0.01). The 6-min walk test improved by 13.9 m (within
training period; P = 0.01), and the Timed Up and Go test time improved by 0.6
secs (within training period; P < 0.05). There were no significant changes in
walking economy, peak aerobic capacity, Four-Square Step Test, or health-related
quality-of-life after training. CONCLUSIONS: Maximal strength training improved
muscle strength in the most affected as well as in the nonaffected leg and
improved Timed-Up-And-Go time and 6-min walk distance but did not alter Four-Step
Square Test time, aerobic status, or quality-of-life among chronic stroke survivors.

Langue : ANGLAIS