Eccentric Contraction-based Resistance Exercise for Chronic Stroke Patients

Evaluation of change from baseline isokinetic knee extensor strength to 8 weeks after the initial assessment. Isokinetic knee extensor strength is measured in peak torque (Nm) achieved on an isokinetic dynamometer (BTE Primus, BTE tech, MD, USA) at 60° per second.

Evaluation of change from baseline SPPB score to 8 weeks after the initial assessment. The SPPB is a group of measures that combine the results of the gait speed, timed chair stand and balance tests. For the static standing balance test, participants were asked to stand in side-by-side, semi-tandem and tandem positions, and maintain each position for 10 s. For the gait speed test, participants were asked to walk along a 4-m distance at their normal walking speed. For the repeated chair rise test, participants were asked to fold their arms across their chest and stand up from a sitting position five times consecutively as quickly as possible. Performance scores for each SPPB individual test and a summary score aggregating the individual tests were calculated as per standard SPPB protocol (range 0-12). The scores range from 0 (worst performance) to 12 (best performance).

Evaluation of change from baseline hand grip strength to 8 weeks after the initial assessment. Participants are tested while they were seated, their arms are against their sides, their elbows are flexed 90 degrees. Hand grip strength is measured in kilograms (kg) using a hand-grip dynamometer (Takei 5401, Tokyo, Japan). The maximum value from either hand is used for analysis.

Evaluation of change from baseline isotonic knee power to 8 weeks after the initial assessment. knee extension and flexion were performed as quickly as possible during a period of 10 seconds and is measured in watts.

Evaluation of change from baseline isometric knee strength to 8 weeks after the initial assessment. Isometric knee strength was measured in Newton-meters (Nm) using a baltimore therapeutic equipment (BTE) Primus RS (BTE Tech., Hanover, MD, USA). The participants were asked to sit on the treatment chair and a standard stabilization strap was placed on the upper ankle. The knee was kept at 90 degree flexion, and the foot was positioned in dorsi-flexion.

Evaluation of change from baseline isokinetic knee extensor eccentric strength to 8 weeks after the initial assessment. Isokinetic knee extensor eccentric strength is measured in peak torque (Nm) achieved on an isokinetic dynamometer (BTE Primus, BTE tech, MD, USA) at 30° per second.

Evaluation of change from baseline timed up and go to 8 weeks after the initial assessment. Participants sat on a chair and measured the time (second) that it took the participants to stand up, walk 3 m as quickly and safely as possible, turn around at a marked line on the floor, walk back, and sit down.