Article

Isokinetic strengthening is a rehabilitation technique rarely used in
stroke patients. However, the potential benefits of force and endurance training
in this population are strongly suspected. This literature review
synthesizes the results of clinical trials on this topic.
The research was
conducted on PubMed, using "Stroke", "rehabilitation", "isokinetic", "upper limb"
and "training" as keywords. RESULTS: Seventeen studies focusing on the use of
isokinetics in assessment or rehabilitation (six studies) following stroke were
reviewed. For the lower limb, muscle strength and walking ability improved after
isokinetic rehabilitation programs. For the upper limb, the only two studies
found in the literature suggest improvement in the strength of the trained
muscles, of grip force, of the Fugl-Meyer motor score and of global functional
capacities. This review does not reveal any consensus on the protocols to be
implemented: type of muscle contraction, velocities.... CONCLUSION: While
isokinetic strengthening has not proven its efficiency in rehabilitation of the
upper limb following stroke, its interest with regard to rehabilitation of the
lower limbs has been recognized. Randomized controlled trials in this field are
necessary to confirm its efficiency, especially concerning upper arm rehabilitation.
CI - Copyright (c) 2012 Elsevier Masson SAS. All rights reserved.

Langue : ANGLAIS ; FRANCAIS