Muscle strengthening for hemiparesis after stroke: A meta-analysis.
Study Goal
The researchers aimed to determine whether lower limb strengthening interventions could improve strength, balance, and walking abilities in patients with chronic stroke.
Results Summary
The study found that progressive resistance training, specific task training, functional electrical stimulation, and high-intensity aerobic cycling had a statistically significant effect on strength and the Timed Up-and-Go test, but a non-significant effect on walking and the Berg Balance Scale. Progressive resistance training was identified as the most effective treatment for improving strength.
Population
Patients with chronic stroke
Effective Dosage
Not specified
Duration
Not specified
Interactions
None mentioned
| Intervention | Direction | Endpoint | Population | Dosage | Impact | Claim # |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
progressive resistance training, specific task training, functional electrical stimulation and aerobic cycling at high-intensity | increase | strength | patients with chronic stroke | - | showed a statistically significant effect | #1 |
progressive resistance training, specific task training, functional electrical stimulation and aerobic cycling at high-intensity | decrease | Timed Up-and-Go test | patients with chronic stroke | - | showed a statistically significant effect | #2 |
progressive resistance training, specific task training, functional electrical stimulation and aerobic cycling at high-intensity | no change | walking | patients with chronic stroke | - | showed a non-significant effect | #3 |
progressive resistance training, specific task training, functional electrical stimulation and aerobic cycling at high-intensity | no change | Berg Balance Scale | patients with chronic stroke | - | showed a non-significant effect | #4 |
progressive resistance training | increase | strength | patients with chronic stroke | - | seemed to be the most effective treatment to improve | #5 |
progressive resistance training | increase | strength | patients with chronic stroke | - | significantly improves | #6 |
INTRODUCTION: Muscle weakness is a common consequence of stroke and can result in a decrease in physical activity. Changes in gait performance can be observed, especially a reduction in gait speed, and increased gait asymmetry, and energy cost is also reported. OBJECTIVE: The aim was to determine whether strengthening of the lower limbs can improve strength, balance and walking abilities in patients with chronic stroke. METHOD: Five databases (Pubmed, Cinhal, Cochrane, Web of Science, Embase) were searched to identify eligible studies. Randomized controlled trials were included and the risk of bias was evaluated for each study. Pooled standardized mean differences were calculated using a random effects model. The PRISMA statement was followed to increase clarity of reporting. RESULTS: Ten studies, including 355 patients, reporting on the subject of progressive resistance training, specific task training, functional electrical stimulation and aerobic cycling at high-intensity were analysed. These interventions showed a statistically significant effect on strength and the Timed Up-and-Go test, and a non-significant effect on walking and the Berg Balance Scale. CONCLUSION: Progressive resistance training seemed to be the most effective treatment to improve strength. When it is appropriately targeted, it significantly improves strength.