Effectiveness of Isokinetic Exercises in Proprioception for Post-stroke Patients

Evaluation of the Effect of Knee Isokinetic Strengthening Exercises on Proprioception and Balance in Stroke Patients

Somatosensory dysfunction including the sense of movement and position, i.e. proprioception, is observed in approximately 65% of patients after stroke. Loss of muscle strength, especially in the lower extremities, and impaired proprioception lead to significant loss of function in stroke patients. In addition, recent studies have emphasised that sensory information obtained by target-oriented exercises plays an important role in neuroplasticity and proprioception is an important element. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of knee isokinetic muscle strengthening exercises on proprioception and balance in stroke patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

• At least 3 months and no more than 1 year must have passed since the date of the incident
• Be between 35 and 75 years of age
• Manual muscle testing of the affected lower extremity shows at least 3 in ankle dorsiflexion and knee extension
• No limitation in passive joint range of motion in the lower extremity
• Mini mental test score > 23

Exclusion Criteria:

• Presence of spasticity according to the modified Ashworth scale > 1+
• Presence of neurological disease other than stroke
• Presence of other medical conditions that may cause sensorimotor dysfunction in the lower extremities (e.g., diabetic polyneuropathy)
• Presence of orthopaedic problems affecting lower extremity function
• Previous history of stroke or ischaemic attack
• Poor general health status (e.g. severe heart failure, COPD)