Effects of muscle strengthening and physical conditioning training on temporal, kinematic and kinetic variables during gait in chronic stroke survivors

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of a combined program of muscle strengthening and physical conditioning on gait performance in su bjects with chronic stroke, using a single group pre- and post-test design. Thirteen subjects were recruited for the 10-week program (3 days/week), wh ich consisted of warm-up, aerobic exercises, lower extremity muscle strengt hening and cool-down. Data from cinematographic film and a force plate obta ined during multiple walking trials were used in a four-segment kinetic mod el to yield spatiotemporal, kinematic and kinetic variables. Gait analysis revealed that the 10 week training resulted in significant increases in gai t speed associated with improvements in walking patterns as determined by i ncreases in selected kinematic and kinetic measures, After training, subjec ts were able to generate higher levels of powers and demonstrated increases in positive work performed by the ankle plantar flexor and hip flexor/exte nsor muscles.