http://jneuroengrehab.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12984-016-0144-7
- Rodrigo Fernandez-GonzaloEmail author,
- Sol Fernandez-Gonzalo,
- Marc Turon,
- Cristina Prieto,
- Per A. Tesch and
- Maria del Carmen García-Carreira
Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation201613:37
DOI: 10.1186/s12984-016-0144-7
© Fernandez-Gonzalo et al. 2016
Received: 27 August 2015
Accepted: 1 April 2016
Published: 6 April 2016
Abstract
Background
Resistance exercise (RE)
improves neuromuscular function and physical performance after stroke.
Yet, the effects of RE emphasizing eccentric (ECC; lengthening) actions
on muscle hypertrophy and cognitive function in stroke patients are
currently unknown. Thus, this study explored the effects of ECC-overload
RE training on skeletal muscle size and function, and cognitive
performance in individuals with stroke.
Methods
Thirty-two individuals with chronic stroke (≥6 months post-stroke) were randomly assigned into a training group (TG; n
= 16) performing ECC-overload flywheel RE of the more-affected lower
limb (12 weeks, 2 times/week; 4 sets of 7 maximal closed-chain knee
extensions; <2 min of contractile activity per session) or a control
group (CG; n = 16),
maintaining daily routines. Before and after the intervention,
quadriceps femoris volume, maximal force and power for each leg were
assessed, and functional and dual task performance, and cognitive
functions were measured.
Results
Quadriceps femoris volume of
the more-affected leg increased by 9.4 % in TG. Muscle power of the
more-affected, trained (48.2 %), and the less-affected, untrained limb
(28.1 %) increased after training. TG showed enhanced balance (8.9 %),
gait performance (10.6 %), dual-task performance, executive functions
(working memory, verbal fluency tasks), attention, and speed of
information processing. CG showed no changes.
Conclusion
ECC-overload flywheel
resistance exercise comprising 4 min of contractile activity per week
offers a powerful aid to regain muscle mass and function, and functional
performance in individuals with stroke. While the current intervention
improved cognitive functions, the cause-effect relationship, if any,
with the concomitant neuromuscular adaptations remains to be explored.
Trial registration
Clinical Trials NCT02120846
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