Effects of Resistance Strengthening Exercise for the Hip Flexor and Extensor on Functional Improvement in Chronic Stroke Patients

고관절근력강화운동이 뇌졸중환자의 기능증진에 미치는 효과

The purpose of this study was to determine the consequence of resistance strengthening exercise on the hip flexor and extensor performed to improve functional mobility in stroke patients more than six months post stroke. Seventeen patients were randomized into two groups. Both groups received conventional physical therapy for six weeks. In addition, the experimental group performed eccentric resistance strengthening exercise in the hip flexor and extensor using an isokinetic dynamometer. The hip flexor and extensor strength, stair up and down mobility, timed get up and go (TUG), 10 m gait velocity, and functional reach were repeatedly measured at baseline, three weeks, and six weeks after treatment. The results were as follows: 1. The experimental group improved more remarkably in the hip flexor and extensor strength, stair up and down mobility, and the 10 m gait velocity after three weeks and six weeks of treatment (p<.05), 2. The control group improved significantly in the hip flexor and extensor strength, and 10 m gait velocity after three weeks of treatment (p<.05), 3. At each three and six week point, the experimental group made greater gains in hip flexor and extensor strength, stair up and down mobility, and 10 m gait velocity than the control group (p<.05). In conclusion, it is desirable to perform resistance strengthening exercises combined with conventional physical therapy to improve functional mobility in chronic stroke patients.