Strength of knee flexors of the paretic limb as an important determinant of functional status in post-stroke rehabilitation.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of the study was to assess the effectiveness of the multi-modal exercise program (MMEP) in patients after stroke, and to identify muscles that are the best predictors of functional performance and changes in functional status in a 3-week rehabilitation program.


METHODS
Thirty-one post-stroke patients (60.6±12.7 years) participating in a 3-week MMEP took part in the study. Measurements of extensor and flexor strength of the knee (Fext, Fflex) were done. Functional performance was measured using Timed Up & Go test (TUG), 6-Minute Walk Test (6-MWT) and Tinetti Test.


RESULTS
The rehabilitation program improved all the results of functional tests, as well as the values of strength in the patients. Both baseline and post-rehabilitation functional status was associated with knee flexor and extensor muscle strength of paretic but not of non-paretic limbs. At baseline examination muscle strength difference between both Fflexkg-1 and Fextkg-1 had an influence on functional status. After rehabilitation the effect of muscle strength difference on functional status was not evident for Fextkg-1 and, interestingly, even more prominent for Fflexkg-1.


CONCLUSIONS
MMEP can effectively increase muscle strength and functional capacity in post-stroke patients. Knee flexor muscle strength of the paretic limb and the knee flexor difference between the limbs is the best predictor of functional performance in stroke survivors.
['Kostka|Joanna|J|', 'Czernicki|Jan|J|', 'Pruszyńska|Magdalena|M|', 'Miller|Elżbieta|E|']
D000368:Aged D004185:Disability Evaluation D005260:Female D006801:Humans D007719:Knee Joint D008297:Male D008875:Middle Aged D053580:Muscle Strength D010243:Paralysis D011379:Prognosis D020521:Stroke D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation
Multi-modal exercise program Functional performance Muscle strength