Strength Training for Chronic Stroke Patients

Maximal Strength Training for Chronic Phase Stroke Patients

The study aims to investigate the effects of strength training on maximal strength, walking ability and neural function in chronic stroke patients. The strength training intervention in this study is different to all previous interventions for stroke patients.

Maximal Strength Training (MST) involves weights of up to 90% of the participants 1 repetition maximum and has a focus on the explosive development of force. This study will use these principles for unilateral leg press and plantarflexion exercises. Only 2 previous studies have investigated high intensity strength training for stroke patients and they used intensities of 80% 1RM. Previous MST interventions have shown large increases in strength, rate of force development and this has transferred to improved walking economy.

The investigators predict that MST will give large increases in strength, improved rate of force development (RFD) and walking economy. The investigators expect that better neural function will account for the improvements. This study could provide evidence for the adoption of a completely different method of strength rehabilitation for stroke survivors.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Under 67 years old
• Suffered from a stroke at least 6 months previously
• Living in the Trondheim area such that travel costs can be covered by 1500 NOK
• Must be able to walk, although use of aids is permitted

Exclusion Criteria:

• Participants must not have cognitive, visuospatial or comprehension deficits to magnitude such that it interferes with the ability to perform testing and training
• Participants must be medically unstable (e.g. uncontrollably high blood pressure (140/90), arrythmia, other heart instabilities or other known comorbid diseases)
• Participants must not be known to be pregnant