Muscle torque preservation and physical activity in individuals with stroke.

Background: A greater percent loss of concentric versus eccentric muscle torque (i.e., relative eccentric muscle torque preservation) has been reported in the paretic limb of individuals with stroke and has been attributed to hypertonia and/or cocontractions.

Nonuniform weakness in the paretic knee and compensatory strength gains in the nonparetic knee occurs after stroke.

Background: This study was designed to quantify torque production at different joint angles in the paretic and nonparetic knee joints of individuals with stroke.

Methods: Extension and flexion torques were measured at 6 angles of the knee joint and normalized to peak torque in 19 subjects with stroke and 19 controls.

Results: Paretic knee extension torque was lower than controls when the knee was positioned near extension.

Muscle strength and weight-bearing symmetry relate to sit-to-stand performance in individuals with stroke.

This study investigated the relationship of lower extremity joint torques and weight-bearing symmetry to sit-to-stand (STS) performance in individuals with chronic stroke. A motion analysis system and two force plates measured STS duration and weight-bearing symmetry (determined by ground reaction forces) during three self-paced and three fast-paced conditions. An isokinetic dynamometer measured maximum concentric joint torques of the paretic and non-paretic ankle, knee, and hip, which were normalized by body mass.