The Relationship of Gastrocnemius-Soleus Muscle Architecture with Balance and Functional Strength in Acute Stroke Patients

Abstract

Balance and functional impairment could occur due to the weakness of the gastrocsoleus muscles in acute stroke patients. This study was planned to determine the muscle architecture and its relationship to balance and functional strength functional ability in patients with acute stroke. A cross-sectional analysis of 22 stroke patients (68.59 ± 8.16) was performed in this study. Gastrocnemius muscle thickness and cross-sectional area were significantly greater on the non-paretic than on the paretic sides (p = 0.004, p = 0.005, respectively). Partial correlation analysis showed that soleus muscle thickness and cross-sectional area was significantly correlated with Berg Balance Scale, Single Leg Stance Test, Five Times Sit to Stand Test and Tandem test results in the paretic side (r = 0.49–0.77, p < 0.05). The gastrocnemius muscle thickness of the non-paretic side had a significant relationship with balance (r = 0.45–0.65, p < 0.05). The muscle thickness and cross-sectional area of the soleus muscle on the paretic sides was significantly related with the functional strength and balance after stroke. It may be beneficial to develop clinical assessment and intervention programs focusing on distal plantar flexor muscle groups in order to improve the functional status and balance.