Article

The aim of this study was to determine if lower
limb muscle strength and/or spasticity are related to performance
in the 6-min walk test (6MWT) in stroke patients.
Methods: A total of 24 patients (12 males and 12 females)
participated in the study. Muscle strength (Medical Research
Council (MRC) scale) and spasticity (modified Ashworth
scale) were assessed prior to the 6MWT. Heart rate was recorded
at rest and during the 6MWT. Subjects were divided
into two groups: (i) those with a high MRC sum score, and
(ii) those with a low MRC sum score. The relationship between
the 6MWT distance and the other parameters was
analysed using a Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.
Results: There was a significant and positive relationship
between 6MWT distance and lower limb muscle strength
(p = 0.001), whereas no significant correlations were found
between the 6MWT distance and spasticity, resting heart
rate and heart rate during the 6MWT.
Conclusion: The 6MWT distance may be a good indicator of
lower limb muscle strength, and lower limb strengthening
may improve gait capacity in stroke patients

Langue : ANGLAIS