Isokinetic Strengthening Research Articles

Effects of individualized lower limb isokinetic strengthening in clinical rehabilitation of older post-stroke patients: A retrospective study.

Muscle weakness in the lower limbs is a motor consequence of stroke that causes functional impairment. The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of an individualized isokinetic strengthening programme, using the moment-velocity profile, on functional recovery during post-stroke rehabilitation of older patients. A further objective was to describe the effects of the individualized isokinetic strengthening on muscular parameters. Retrospective study. Older post-stroke patients. Using the Barthel Index, functional abilities in basic daily tasks were assessed and retrospectively analysed for 88 patients in a post-stroke rehabilitation unit. Of these, 44 patients received conventional rehabilitation (conventional group) and 44 received individualized isokinetic strengthening in addition to conventional rehabilitation (isokinetic group). A 2-Group (isokinetic, conventional) × 2-Time (before, after intervention) repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was conducted. For muscular parameters, Student t-tests and Wilcoxon tests were performed. The Barthel Index score increased more in the isokinetic group (61.59 ± 26.34 to 88.18 ± 12.16) than in the conventional group (61.70 ± 26.5 to 76.93 ± 18.12). A significant Time × Group interaction was found (F(1,86) = 5.95, p = 0.02). In the isokinetic group all muscular parameters improved. This retrospective clinical study suggests that lower limb isokinetic strengthening, individualized using the moment-velocity profile, is clinically efficient for functional recovery during post-stroke rehabilitation of older patients. Intragroup effects of isokinetic strengthening also suggest benefits for muscular parameters.

Concentric Isokinetic Strengthening Program's Impact on Knee Biomechanical Parameters, Physical Performance and Quality of Life in Overweight/Obese Women with Chronic Meniscal Lesions.

Meniscal injuries are one of the most common intra-articular knee injuries. Different treatments are presented depending on the symptoms and duration of meniscus tears, such as arthroscopic partial meniscectomy, physiotherapy, or even pharmacological treatment. The purpose was to investigate the effect of a concentric isokinetic knee muscle strengthening program on strength, joint range of motion, physical performance, quality of life and pain tolerance in overweight/obese women with chronic meniscal lesions. Twenty-four overweight/obese women were randomized into two groups. A control group (CG) performed a usual rehabilitation program plus isokinetic muscle strengthening (IMS) in the continuous passive motion mode and measured with an isokinetic dynamometer. An experimental group (EG) performed the same program in combination with IMS in the isokinetic active mode. The peak torque of the knee extensors (PTE) and flexors (PTF), sit-to-stand test, stair climb test, joint amplitude, heel-to-buttock distance, Thessaly test, KOOS questionnaire of pain and quality of life were measured pre- and post-protocol. After the intervention, the sit-stand number for both groups was significantly higher (p < 0.001) and the time to climb stairs was significantly reduced for the EG (p < 0.001). A significant improvement in joint range of motion, life quality (p < 0.001), relief in knee pain (p < 0.001) and in the post-program evaluation at the EG (p < 0.05) was noted. There was no significant difference in PTE and PTF between groups at 60°/s and 180°/s. The IMS in the active mode could be an effective therapeutic modality in managing middle-aged patients suffering from a degenerative meniscal tear.

Combining intensive rehabilitation with a non-functional isokinetic strengthening program in adolescents with cerebral palsy: a study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is the most common brain injury in the pediatric population. CP patients present different affectations such as decreased muscle strength, gait deviations, impaired proprioception, and spasticity. Isokinetic strengthening programs combined with an intensive rehabilitation may improve muscle strength and therefore gait efficiency. Clinical Trials: The protocol has been accepted by the French National Ethics Committee (IDRCB: 2022-A00431-42). The primary aim of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effect of an intensive rehabilitation combined with a non-functional isokinetic progressive strengthening program to an intensive rehabilitation alone on gait parameters and muscle strength in CP patients. Another goal of the current study is to determine whether adding an isokinetic program to an intensive rehabilitation is more effective than an intensive reha-bilitation alone on decreasing spasticity and improving joint position sense in CP patients. Thirty adolescents with spastic diplegia CP (GMFCS level I to III) will be randomized, by an independent researcher, into a 3-week intensive rehabilitation and isokinetic pro-gressive strengthening group or an intensive rehabilitation control group. Gait param-eters, muscle strength, spasticity and knee joint position sense will be assessed. These variables will be evaluated at baseline (T0) and at the end of the intervention (T1). The intensive rehabilitation will consist of physiotherapy sessions twice a day and hydro-therapy and virtual reality gait training once a day. The isokinetic training group will have a total of 9 supervised isokinetic strength training focusing on knee flexors and extensors with different execution speeds. The protocol has been accepted by the French National Ethics Committee in October 2022. Inclusion of patients will start in November 2022. The combination of an intensive rehabilitation with an isokinetic program on knee flexors and extensors have not been studied yet. The findings of this study may determine if an isokinetic strength training program of knee flexors and extensors is benefic to improve gait parameters, muscle strength, spasticity, and joint position sense in adolescents with spastic diplegia. The protocol has been accepted by the French National Ethics Committee (IDRCB: 2022-A00431-42).

Isokinetic strengthening and neuromuscular electrical stimulation protocol impact on physical performances, functional status and quality of life in knee osteoarthritis overweight/obese women

BackgroundKnee muscle weakness associated with overweight/obesity can lead to impairment of vital daily function in knee osteoarthritis patients. This study investigated the effect of a knee eccentric isokinetic muscle strength (IMS) training program combined with neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) on muscle strength and flexibility, joint ROM, functional status, physical performance, and quality of life in knee osteoarthritis overweight/obese women. MethodsThirty-six women were randomized into three groups, two experimental groups (EG) and a control group following a classic rehabilitation program. During 6 weeks of two sessions/week, one of the two EGs performed an IMS program (ISO.G); the other underwent combined IMS and NMES training (ISO + NMES.G). All patients were evaluated with clinical examination, isokinetic test at 60°/s and 240°/s speeds, physical performance tests related to activities of daily living, and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) quality of life questionnaire, before and after the intervention. ResultsIn the 10-m walk, chair stand, stair climb and monopodal stance tests, muscle flexibility and quality of life scores showed significant improvement for ISO.G (P = 0.000) and ISO + NMES.G (P = 0.000). Concentric strength at 240°/s was improved in ISO + NMES.G (P = 0.000) unlike the muscle strength at 60°/s (quadriceps, P = 0.104; hamstrings, P = 0.171), force asymmetry (P = 0.481) and post-intervention joint ROM (P = 0.309). ConclusionsThe combination of IMS and NMES shows significant superiority over the usual rehabilitation program for the majority of the parameters measured for optimal management of knee osteoarthritis.

EFFECTIVENESS OF ISOKINETIC EXERCISE ON PAIN AND FUNCTION IN PATIENTS WITH TOTAL KNEE ARTHROPLASTY

Background: Relief of pain and physical function improvements normally happen in 6 to 12 months following total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Neverthless, pain persists in some patients even after one year. Likewise, functional improvement is insufficient. We have evaluated the effectiveness of an isokinetic strengthening program on post-operativelly (1-9 years) knee pain, funtional limitation, level walking and stair climbing in patients with TKA at late period. Methods: Twenty-five women patients with TKA were assigned into isokinetic training (study group) or the control groups. Patients answered WOMAC questionnaire and performed Stair Climbing Test. Quadriceps and hamstring muscle strength were evaluated isokinetically at 60 and 180°/sec angular velocity. All tests were evaluated before &amp; after intervention and at follow-up three months later. Only the study group performed isokinetic training five days a week for two weeks while both groups received home-based exercise program. Results: Knee pain at rest and during walking statistically decreased in both groups as per the evaluations at before &amp; after intervention and 3-month follow-up. Comparison of WOMAC scores in two groups revealed only a statistically significant decrease in the study group among the after intervention &amp; follow-up values. Although the increase at 60°/sec extension and flexion PT values in the study group was greater than that in the control group, there was no pointed difference between both groups. Conclusion: Strengthening of the knee muscles with isokinetic exercise reduces pain and improves functionality more than the home-based exercise program does.

The Effects of Upper Extremity Isokinetic Strengthening in Post-Stroke Hemiplegia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveThe aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of isokinetic strengthening in paretic upper extremity among patients with post-stroke hemiplegia. MethodsHemiplegic patients with at least 6 months post-stroke and those with arm and hand Brunnstrom motor recovery stage ≥ 3 were included to the study. Patients were randomized into two groups. Isokinetic training group received 4 weeks (3 days/week) of isokinetic strengthening, while the control group was tailored strengthening exercises with exercise bands. Outcome measures were the isokinetic peak torque of wrist flexor and extensors, Fugl-Meyer Assessment of upper extremity, Stroke Impact Scale (SIS), Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (DASH) questionnaire, hand grip strength, peak isometric strength of wrist flexor and extensors. Outcome measures were evaluated before treatment, after treatment (at the end of week 4) and 4 weeks after the end of treatment (at the end of week 8). The trial was registered at ClinicalTtrials.gov (ID: NCT03834311). ResultsAfter 4 weeks, changes in extensor peak torque at 60°/sn (p=0.007) and extensor peak isometric muscle strength (p=0.007) were higher in the isokinetic group (n=12) than those in the control group (n=12). At the end of week 8, only DASH score revealed a significantly higher improvement in the isokinetic group than that in the control group (p=0.014). ConclusionsIsokinetic strengthening may provide motor and functional improvement in paretic upper extremity among patients with post-stroke hemiplegia.

Pre-TKR isokinetic quadriceps strengthening has a positive effect which may diminish following the intervention despite pain and functional improvements: A case study

We report a longitudinal survey of a 53-year-old man suffering from right knee osteoarthritis who has undergone total knee replacement (TKR). We aimed at evaluating the effect of a short preoperative isokinetic strengthening program on the functional status, pain, and quadriceps and hamstrings strength before and after TKR. The patient performed a 4-week (6 sessions) preoperative isokinetic strengthening program of the quadriceps and hamstrings. The findings for the concentric strength at 60∘/s, 6-minute walk test (6MWT), and Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS) were recorded. At baseline the patient presented with an overall KOOS score of 44%, a 6MWT of 444 m, a 63% and 21% strength deficits of the quadriceps and hamstrings, respectively. Following the strengthening program, the quadriceps strength of the operated limb improved (+121 Nm; +83%), but the function as reflected by the KOOS score remained unchanged. Following the TKR, the concentric isokinetic strength of the quadriceps reappeared altered (63% of deficit) despite pain and functional improvements. This case report underlines the importance of functional evaluation rather than the maximal strength to assess the effectiveness of TKR. However, further studies are necessary to conceptualize the meaning of maximal strength measurement and the impact of associated deficits, if any.

Cross-education Effects of Muscle Strength and Balance on Unilateral Isokinetic Exercise in Ankle

Purpose: Unilateral strength training effects on contralateral sides have been demonstrated in previous studies for lower extremity exer cise, upper extremity exercise, and unilateral surface electrical stimulation. This study was performed to investigate the effects of unilat eral ankle training on muscle strength and the balance of contralateral lower extremity in healthy adults. Methods: Thirty healthy subjects were randomized equally to a training or a control group. Those in the training group received unilater al ankle isokinetic strengthening training of the dominant leg (right side) for 4 weeks. Contralateral single-limb balance, including Ante rio-Posterior Stability Index (APSI), Medio-Lateral Stability Index (MLSI) and Overall Stability Index (OSI), was assessed before and after intervention. Results: Comparison of pre- and post-test data revealed significant improvements in ipsi- and contralateral ankle strengths, and signifi cant improvement in contralateral single limb balance. Conclusion: These results have practical implications because they demonstrate that unilateral ankle isokinetic exercise improves ankle muscle strength and balance ability of contralateral lower extremity.

Upper Limb Isokinetic Strengthening Versus Passive Mobilization in Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ObjectiveTo assess the benefit of isokinetic strengthening of the upper limb (UL) in patients with chronic stroke as compared to passive mobilization. DesignRandomized blinded assessor controlled trial. SettingPhysical Medicine and Rehabilitation departments of 2 university hospitals. ParticipantsPatients (N=20) with incomplete hemiplegia (16 men; mean age, 64y; median time since stroke, 32mo). InterventionsA 6-week comprehensive rehabilitation program, 3d/wk, 3 sessions/d. In addition, a 45-minute session per day was performed using an isokinetic dynamometer, with either isokinetic strengthening of elbow and wrist flexors/extensors (isokinetic strengthening group) or passive joint mobilization (control group). Main Outcome MeasuresThe primary endpoint was the increase in Upper Limb Fugl-Meyer Assessment (UL-FMA) score at day 45 (t1). Secondary endpoints were increases in UL-FMA scores, Box and Block Test scores, muscle strength, spasticity, and Barthel Index at t1, t2 (3mo), and t3 (6mo). ResultsRecruitment was stopped early because of excessive fatigue in the isokinetic strengthening group. The increase in UL-FMA score at t1 was 3.5±4.4 in the isokinetic strengthening group versus 6.0±4.5 in the control group (P=.2). Gains in distal UL-FMA scores were larger (3.1±2.8) in the control group versus 0.6±2.5 in the isokinetic strengthening group (P=.05). No significant group difference was observed in secondary endpoints. Mixed models confirmed those results. Regarding the whole sample, gains from baseline were significant for the UL-FMA at t1 (+4.8; P<.001), t2, and t3 and for the Box and Block Test at t1 (+3; P=.013) and t2. ConclusionsIn a comprehensive rehabilitation program, isokinetic strengthening did not show superiority to passive mobilization for UL rehabilitation. Findings also suggest a sustained benefit in impairments and function of late UL rehabilitation programs for patients with stroke.

Comparison of isokinetic strengthening with functional strengthening of lower limb and their effect on gait in hemiparesis due to stroke.

Background: A large number of survivors of stroke present with various disabilities including motor deficits characterized by weakness (hemiparesis) on one side of the body opposite to the site of lesion. Muscle weakness in the affected lower limb of stroke patients is a major factor inhibiting gait ability which is the most frequently stated goal by persons with stroke. Progressive resistance strength training has been found to strengthen paretic muscles after stroke including isokinetic strengthening and functional strengthening. Purpose: The present study intended to examine whether one of the two types of lower limb strengthening (isokinetic strengthening and functional strengthening) is more beneficial in improving peak torque, six-minute walk test and step length in post stroke hemiparetic persons. Method: A total 30 number of subjects were randomly selected and assigned to either of the two groups after meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All participants underwent an initial baseline assessment. Both groups received conventional physiotherapy. Group 1 in addition, received isokinetic strengthening, whereas group 2 in addition, received functional strengthening for a period of 6 weeks, 3 days/ week. All participants received a follow up assessment after completion of 6 weeks. Results: The overall results of the study suggest that after 6 weeks of intervention both the groups (isokinetic strengthening and functional strengthening) improved significantly in peak torque of hip flexor, hip extensor, knee flexor, knee extensor, ankle dorsiflexor, plantarflexor, six-minute walk test, step length affected and step length non-affected. Isokinetic strengthening group showed significantly better improvement in peak torque of hip flexor, hip extensor, knee flexor, knee extensor and six-minute walk test. Conclusion: Isokinetic strengthening of lower limb is more effective than functional strengthening in improving peak torque of hip-knee flexor and extensor muscles and six-minute walk test. However, no significant difference was noted in peak torque of ankle muscles and step length of both affected and non-affected side in post stroke hemiparetic persons.

Rehabilitación robótica e isocinética en paciente con acromioplastia: a propósito de un caso

Mujer de 61 anos; inicia su padecimiento 5 anos atras con dolor de hombro derecho, diagnosticada como pinzamiento subacromial y desgarro del musculo supraespinoso. Es intervenida el 01 de diciembre de 2014, realizandose con acromioplastia con osteotomia y plastia de supraespinoso. Inicia rehabilitacion a los 29 dias con medios fisicos y movilizaciones, asi como terapia ocupacional. Al mes se inicia rehabilitacion robotica con Armeo Power que se mantiene por 55 sesiones, ademas de mantener la terapia fisica. Al llevar 45 sesiones con brazo robotico se anade al tratamiento fortalecimiento isocinetico por 12 sesiones. Al termino continua con programa domiciliario. Se valora a 8 meses de la cirugia encontrandose funcional, independiente y con movilidad completa, por lo que se egresa por mejoria.

Ankle position during strength training does influence isokinetic knee extensor and flexor strength gains

Background: Recently, the training effect of the multijoint system was more effective than isolated joint exercise in restoring function in patients with patellofemoral dysfunction. Researchers have investigated whether differences in ankle position can facilitate or inhibit knee activity on peak torque and total work. Some researchers reported that maximum isometric electromyographic activity levels of the quadriceps during active ankle dorsiflexion or plantarflexion were greater than those performed with the ankle in a neutral position. However, all of these studies assessed knee strength during the isokinetic or isometric mode for testing alone and did not examine the effect of ankle position on isokinetic knee extensor andflexor strength gains during knee isokinetic strengthening training. Purpose: The purpose of this study was to investigate the influence of two different active ankle positions such as plantarflexion and dorsiflexion during the isokinetic training on strengthening knee flexors and extensors. Methods: A volunteer sample of 22 healthy adults was randomized to ankle dorsiflexion (AD) and ankle plantarflexion (AP) training groups. Subjects were trained isokinetically in knee extension and flexion under two actively fixed, contracted ankle conditions (dorsiflexion or plantarflexion) four times a week for three weeks. Results: The AD group had significant improvements in the PT (peak torque) and the TW (total work) of knee extensors at 60◦/sec and the PT and the TW of knee flexors at both 60◦/sec and 180◦/sec. Significant gains in the PT and the TW of knee extensors at 180◦/sec and the PT and the TW of knee flexors at both speeds were also observed in the AP group. The AD group demonstrated 29% greater post-training gain than the AP group in the PT and TW for knee extensors at 60◦/sec (p< 0.05). The PT and TW of knee flexors at 60◦/sec in the AD group also revealed significantly greater gains by 45%and59%, respectively, than those ofAPgroup (p< 0.05). Conclusion(s): These results suggest that active ankle dorsiflexion in a knee strength training programmay bemore efficient to increase knee extensor and knee flexor strength than a plantarflexed position. Implications:Knee isokinetic strength trainingwith ankle positionwill be important clue to provide basic data and information to clinicians and patientswith knee injury like anterior cruciate ligament injury or patellofemoral dysfunction.

Rehabilitation to effort of obese: Contribution of isokinetic muscle strengthening

Rehabilitation to effort of obese: Contribution of isokinetic muscle strengthening

Effect of eccentric isokinetic strengthening in the rehabilitation of patients with knee osteoarthritis: Isogo, a randomized trial

BackgroundFemorotibial knee osteoarthritis is associated with muscle weakness in the lower limbs, particularly in the quadriceps, which results in disease progression. The interest of having muscular strengthening as part of the therapeutic arsenal for the medical treatment of knee osteoarthritis is now well established.The functional disability induced by knee osteoarthritis manifests itself principally when walking, notably downhill, during which the muscles are called upon to contract eccentrically.We can therefore think that eccentric muscular strengthening could bring a functional benefit that is superior to concentric muscular strengthening.Methods/DesignThis is a prospective, randomized, bicenter, parallel-group, international study. Eighty patients aged from 40 to 75 years old, suffering from medical-stage knee osteoarthritis, will undertake 6 weeks of isokinetic muscular strengthening. Randomization determines the mode of muscular strengthening: either exclusively eccentric or exclusively concentric.The principal objective is to demonstrate the superiority of the improvement in the quadriceps isokinetic torque after isokinetic muscular strengthening by the eccentric mode compared to the concentric mode.The following parameters are also evaluated: the variations in the level of pain, the parameters of walking (maximum speed over 10 and 200 meters, analysis on a computerized Gaitrite™ treadmill), static equilibrium (on a FUSYO™ force platform), and the functional status of the patient using the Western Ontario and MacMaster Universities osteoarthritis index (WOMAC) questionnaire after the strengthening period and at 6 months.DiscussionA better knowledge of the most effective mode of muscular strengthening is needed to optimize the functional benefits to the patients. In case of superiority in terms of efficacy of the eccentric mode, the latter could be given priority in the rehabilitation treatment of knee osteoarthritis patients.Trial registrationClinical trials.gov number: NCT01586130.

An Isokinetic Training Program for Reducing Falls in a Community-Dwelling Older Adult

With the population older than 65 years, projected to double by the year 2030, falls in older adults are a substantial health concern. Muscle strength deficits are one of the multifactorial components linked to increased fall risk, and decreasing these deficits has been one of the goals of interventions designed to decrease fall risk. These interventions have traditionally focused on improving peak torque; however, recent research suggests that exercise protocols that focus on the rate of torque development (RTD) may be more effective in decreasing fall risk. This case report examines clinical outcomes following implementation of an isokinetic strengthening protocol coupled with a balance program designed to reduce fall risk in a community-dwelling older adult. The individual was a 70-year-old woman with a history of 3 falls over the past 8 months and no related medical etiology who had self-limited her activities because of fear of another fall. She was classified as having substantial risk for future falls because of fall history, increased fear of falling, and below age norms on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and the Timed Up and Go (TUG). The treatment program consisted of 12 weeks of high-intensity isokinetic knee extensor training, high challenge dynamic gait and balance activities, and core strengthening. The isokinetic protocol consisted of 4 sets of 10 concentric-only repetitions at speeds of 240°/sec and 300°/sec for a total of 8 work sets. Dynamic gait activities incorporating directional and obstacle drills, and rocker and balance boards were used for balance training activities. Progressive theraband exercises were used for core strengthening. As her home program, the participant was encouraged to return to line dancing twice per week. During the 12-week protocol, the participant completed two 90-minute therapy sessions and two 90-minute dance classes per week. After the 12 weeks of treatment, knee extensor peak torque at 150 ms improved on the right from 67.8 N to 107.1 N (57.9% increase), and on the left from 65.1 N to 97.6 N (49.9% increase). The BBS score improved from 45 to 52; and the TUG improved from 14.0 to 8.6 seconds. Both final scores exceeded fall risk cutoffs (BBS = 48; TUG = 13.5 seconds) and the change score exceeded minimal detectable change (BBS = 7; TUG 5.4 seconds). The treatment program produced improvements in knee extensor peak torque and RTD, but more importantly, the final scores on the clinical outcome measures placed the participant above established fall-risk cutoff scores. Although future research with increased numbers of participants and a control group should be conducted to confirm this study's results, these findings support the use of isokinetic training to reduce fall risk in older adults.

Leg strength improvement in elderly fallers and non fallers after eigth week of isokinetic strengthening

Leg strength improvement in elderly fallers and non fallers after eigth week of isokinetic strengthening

Isokinetic muscle strengthening after acquired cerebral damage: A literature review

ObjectiveIsokinetic strengthening is a rehabilitation technique rarely used in stroke patients. However, the potential benefits of force and endurance training in this population are strongly suspected. MethodThis literature review synthesizes the results of clinical trials on this topic. The research was conducted on PubMed, using “Stroke”, “rehabilitation”, “isokinetic”, “upper limb” and “training” as keywords. ResultsSeventeen studies focusing on the use of isokinetics in assessment or rehabilitation (six studies) following stroke were reviewed. For the lower limb, muscle strength and walking ability improved after isokinetic rehabilitation programs. For the upper limb, the only two studies found in the literature suggest improvement in the strength of the trained muscles, of grip force, of the Fugl-Meyer motor score and of global functional capacities. This review does not reveal any consensus on the protocols to be implemented: type of muscle contraction, velocities…. ConclusionWhile isokinetic strengthening has not proven its efficiency in rehabilitation of the upper limb following stroke, its interest with regard to rehabilitation of the lower limbs has been recognized. Randomized controlled trials in this field are necessary to confirm its efficiency, especially concerning upper arm rehabilitation.

An isokinetic muscle strengthening program for adults with an acquired brain injury leads to meaningful improvements in physical function

Primary objective: To investigate if an isokinetic strength training programme for leg muscles lead to personally meaningful changes in adults with an acquired brain injury (ABI).Research design: A qualitative exploratory design.Methods: Twelve people with ABI participated in pre- and post-intervention face-to-face interviews with open ended questions. Data were initially analysed using a case study research approach exploring individuals experiences and then cross case analysis to determine common themes for the group.Intervention: Twelve-week isokinetic strength training programme for ankle and knee muscles.Outcomes: Participants perceived changes.Results: Thematic analysis determined four main themes arising from the interviews; occupation, vitality, sense of self and personal interactions. Participants reported reductions in impairments as a response to the exercise programme and these changes led to increased function and participation in activities they valued. Also marked improvements in vitality were reported as well as increases in self-esteem and general well-being for many participants.Conclusions: An isokinetic strength training programme resulted in improvements in motor skills and functional abilities that were meaningful for the participants.

Evidence-Based Treatment of Hamstring Tears

Hamstring tears are exceedingly common in a variety of athletic populations and contribute to a significant amount of morbidity and time lost from sport. Many modifiable and nonmodifiable risk factors have been identified with hamstring injury. There is strong evidence that Nordic hamstring exercises can decrease the risk of hamstring injury, limited evidence that sports specific anaerobic interval training and isokinetic strengthening can reduce injury rates, and limited evidence that daily static stretching after injury can increase recovery rate. The majority of medical, surgical, and rehabilitative intervention studies have limitations based on the total number of hamstring injuries included in a given study, reliance on retrospective cohort studies, and conclusions based on case series that limit the utility of the information. Most do not provide a level of evidence greater than expert opinion.

Poster 368: Effect of Concentric Isokinetic Knee Strength Training on Gait, Balance and Quality of Life in Chronic Stroke Patients

Objective: To determine the effects of concentric isokinetic knee strength training on gait, balance, and health-related quality of life in chronic stroke patients. Design: 15 patients with chronic stroke participated in this study. All subjects were community ambulators and trained using Biodex System 3 isokinetic dynamometer 3 times a week for 6 weeks. The training program consisted of concentric isokinetic strengthening of both knee extensors and flexors. Peak torque of knee extensors and flexors, walking performance (temporospatial parameter of gait and stair climbing time), balance (overall balance index, anterior/posterior index, and medial/lateral index) and health-related quality of life measure (36-item Short Form Health Survey [SF-36]) were evaluated before and after training period.