Article

The major contributors to physical disability after stroke are the
negative impairments related to loss of functional ability and muscle strength.
The aim of this study was to examine the effects of close kinetic chain (CKC)
exercise and open kinetic chain (OKC) exercise on muscle activation of the
paretic lower limb and balance in chronic stroke subjects. METHODS: Thirty-three
patients with chronic stroke of over 6 months were enrolled. They were randomly
allocated to three groups: CKC exercise group (n = 11), OKC exercise group (n =
11), and control group (n = 11). CKC and OKC exercise groups were trained 5 times
per week for 6 weeks. The control group maintained routine activities and did not
participate in any regular exercise program. All subjects were measured on muscle
activation of the paretic lower limb and balance. RESULTS: Muscle activation of
rectus femoris (RF) and biceps femoris (BF) was significantly increased in both
CKC exercise and OKC exercise groups, compared to the control group. However,
muscle activation of gastrocnemius (GC) and tibialis anterior (TA) was
significantly increased in only the CKC exercise group. Antero-posterior (A-P)
andmedio-lateral (M-L) sway velocities (both with EO and EC) were decreased with
the application of CKC exercise. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that the CKC
exercise can improve lower limb muscle strength, and balance in chronic stroke,
and it may carry over into an improvement in functional performance.

Langue : ANGLAIS