Strength of knee flexors of the paretic limb as an important determinant of functional status in post-stroke rehabilitation

Status determination, NOT 100% recovery of the paretic leg. Useless crap. The strength of my knee flexors is pretty substantial, but spasticity is preventing decent recovery of walking ability. So tell me how to stop the spasticity in my leg and I will completely recover on my own.
http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0028384316301578

• Joanna Kostka^{a, ,} ,
• Jan Czernicki^b, ,
• Magdalena Pruszyńska^c, ,
• Elżbieta Miller^a,

 Show more

http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.pjnns.2017.03.004

Get rights and content

---

Abstract

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 (F_ext, F_flex) 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 F_flex kg⁻¹ and F_ext kg⁻¹ had an influence on functional status. After rehabilitation the effect of muscle strength difference on functional status was not evident for F_ext kg⁻¹ and, interestingly, even more prominent for F_flex kg⁻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.