Review Article

Resistance Training and Stroke: A Critical Analysis of Different Training Programs

Table 1

Benefits and description of different RT programs in individuals with stroke ; control of main variables.

AuthorsSamplesProtocolsAssessmentsResults

Aidar et al. (2012)24 subjects, mean age of 51,7 ± 8 with chronic stroke (≥6 months) (15 men and 9 woman), were randomized to either the Experimental Group (EG) or Control Group (CG)Control of main variables of resistance training (rest interval between sets and exercises, number of sets, number of repetitions, intensity, duration of training, and weekly frequency).State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI)↓ state anxiety of the EG when compared to CG

Aidar et al. (2016)24 subjects, mean age of 51,7 ± 8 with chronic stroke (≥6 months) (15 men and 9 woman), were randomized to either the Experimental Group (EG) or Control Group (CG)Control of main variables of resistance training (rest interval between sets and exercises, number of sets, number of repetitions, intensity, duration of training, and weekly frequency).Quality of life↑ quality of life of the EG when compared to CG

Fernandez-Gonzalo et al. (2016)32 subjects with chronic stroke (≥6 months) were randomized to either the training group (TG), age (years)
61.2 ± 9.8, or Control Group (CG) age (years) 65.7 ± 12.7
Control of main variables of resistance training (rest interval between sets and exercises, number of sets, number of repetitions, intensity, duration of training, and weekly frequency).Skeletal muscle size, strength and power, functional performance, and cognitive function↑ quadriceps volume of the more-affected leg, ↑ muscle power, ↑ balance, ↑ gait performance tasks, ↑ attention and speed of information processing in TG; CG showed no changes

Flansbjer et al. (2008)24 subjects, mean age 61 ± 5 (14 men and 10 woman) with chronic stroke (≥6 months), were randomized to either the training group (TG) or Control Group (CG)Control of main variables of resistance training (rest interval between sets and exercises, number of sets, number of repetitions, intensity, duration of training, and weekly frequency).Muscle strength, muscle tone, timed “Up and Go,” fast gait speed and 6-minute walk tests, and perceived participation by stroke Impact scale; all measurements were made before and after the intervention and at follow-up 5 months after the intervention↑ muscle strength, timed “Up and Go,” and perceived participation of the TG group when compared to CG

Flansbjer et al. (2012)18 subjects, mean age 66 ± 4 with stroke, were randomized to either the training group (TG) or Control Group (CG)Control of main variables of resistance training (rest interval between sets and exercises, number of sets, number of repetitions, intensity, duration of training, and weekly frequency).Muscle strength, muscle tone, timed “Up and Go,” fast gait speed and 6 minutes’ walk tests, and perceived participation by stroke Impact scale; the assessments were repeated at the 4-year follow-up↑ muscle strength of the TG group when compared to CG