Isokinetic testing in patients with neuromuscular diseases: a focused review.

Objective: This literature review aimed to study the use of isokinetic testing in patients with neuromuscular diseases (NMDs) and to identify directions for future research of isokinetic testing.

Design: The MEDLINE (January 1, 1965, to July 1, 2010), Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health (1980 to May 2010), and Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (The Cochrane Library Issue 3, 2009) electronic databases were searched. The literature search was conducted using the keywords muscle assessment, muscle strength, evaluation, isokinetic, neuromuscular diseases, muscle fatigue, functional test, rehabilitation, and literature search.

Exercise training improves autonomic profiles in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Introduction: The effect of an interval exercise training (ITE) program on heart rate variability (HRV) was studied in 8 patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease and 8 healthy controls.

Methods: At baseline, all subjects underwent ambulatory 24-hour Holter electrocardiographic (ECG) monitoring to evaluate HRV. HRV analysis was repeated on CMT patients after they completed a 24-week ITE program on a cycle ergometer.

Benefits of interval-training on fatigue and functional capacities in Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease.

Exercise intolerance and undue fatigue are common complaints in patients with Charcot-Marie-Tooth (CMT) disease. Reduced physical ability is due directly to the disease, but it is also due to physical deconditioning. The aim of this study was to test whether 24 weeks of interval-training exercise (ITE) cycling can significantly improve physiological, neuromuscular, and functional capacities and alleviate fatigue in CMT patients.

Muscle strength recovery in treated Guillain-Barré syndrome: a prospective study for the first 18 months after onset.

Objective: To assess the recovery in muscle strength and functional capacities in subjects with Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) for 18 months after onset.

Design: Six GBS patients were treated and transferred to our rehabilitation center within the first week of recovery.

Results: Isometric and isokinetic strength increased significantly during the first 6 months (P < 0.