Physiological Review of Weakness in Patients with Hemiparesis

편부전마비 환자에서의 근육약화에 대한 생리학적 고찰

  • Kim, Jong-Man (Dept. of Rehabilitation, Seonam University) ;
  • Kim, Tack-Hoon (Dept. of Physical Therapy, Yonsei Rehabilitation Hospital, Yonsei University Medical Center)
  • 김종만 (서남대학교 재활학과) ;
  • 김택훈 (연세의료원 재활병원 물리치료팀)
  • Published : 1996.09.21

Abstract

This paper reviews physiological changes in the nervous system of patients with hemiparesis that may contribute to muscle weakness. The discussion includes the important role that alterations in the physiology of motor units, notably changes in firing rates and muscle fiber atrophy, play in the manifestation of muscle weakeness. This role is compared with the lesser role that spasticity of the antagonist muscle group appears to play in determining the weakness of agonist muscles. The contribution of other factors that result in mechanical restraint of the agonist by the antagonist is discussed relative to muscle weakness in patients with hemiparesis. More studies on patients with hemiparesis are required to assess what role muscle strength training should play in rehabiliting patients after a stroke.

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