Article

OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the long-term benefits of progressive resistance training
in chronic stroke. DESIGN: A 4-year follow-up of a randomized controlled trial of
progressive resistance training. SUBJECTS: Eighteen women and men (mean age 66
(standard deviation 4) from the original group of 24 post-stroke participants.
METHODS: The training group (n = 11) had participated in supervised progressive
resistance training of the knee extensors and flexors (80% of maximum) twice
weekly for 10 weeks, whereas the control group (n = 7) had continued their usual
daily activities. Muscle strength was evaluated isotonically and isokinetically
(60 masculine/s; Biodex), muscle tone with the Modified Ashworth Scale, gait
performance by the Timed Up and Go test, the Fast Gait Speed test and 6-Minute
Walk test, and perceived participation with the Stroke Impact Scale
(Participation domain). RESULTS: Four years after the intervention, the
improvements in muscle strength in the training group were maintained, and there
was no reduction in strength in the control group. Compared with baseline there
were still significant between-group differences for both isotonic and isokinetic
strength. No significant between-group differences were found in muscle tone,
gait performance or perceived participation. CONCLUSION: The results indicate
that there is a long-term benefit of progressive resistance training in chronic
stroke. This implies that progressive resistance training could be an effective
training method to improve and maintain muscle strength in a long-term
perspective.

Langue : ANGLAIS