Measuring Weakness and Coordination in Stroke Patients
Author Information
Author(s): Nathan Neckel, Marlena Pelliccio, Diane Nichols, Joseph Hidler
Primary Institution: Center for Applied Biomechanics and Rehabilitation Research, National Rehabilitation Hospital
Hypothesis
Can we quantify lower limb weakness and abnormal synergy patterns in chronic stroke patients?
Conclusion
Chronic stroke patients are significantly weaker in their affected leg compared to age-matched controls, with weakness being the primary contributor to motor deficits.
Supporting Evidence
- The stroke group was significantly weaker in six of the eight directions tested.
- Stroke subjects showed little evidence of classic lower-limb abnormal synergy patterns.
- Co-contraction of antagonistic muscle groups was observed in the stroke group.
Takeaway
People who had a stroke have a hard time using their legs, and this study shows they are weaker than people who didn't have a stroke.
Methodology
Stroke subjects stood on their unaffected leg while their affected foot was attached to a load cell to measure forces and torques during maximum voluntary contractions.
Potential Biases
Potential selection bias due to exclusion criteria for cognitive and communication impairments.
Limitations
The sample size may limit the generalizability of the findings.
Participant Demographics
16 chronic hemiparetic stroke subjects (9 male, 7 female) and 16 age-matched controls (9 male, 7 female).
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.05
Confidence Interval
95%
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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