Affiliations: [a] Department of Health Technology and Informatics, The
Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hung Hom, Kowloon, Hong Kong, People's Republic of China | [b] Centre for Rehabilitation and Human Performance
Research, University of Salford, Salford, UK
Note: [] Address for correspondence: Toshiki Kobayashi PhD, Orthocare
Innovations, 6405 218th. S.W., Suite 301, Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043-2180,
USA. Tel.: +1 800 672 1710; Fax: +1 206 219 1144; E-mail:
[email protected]
Abstract: The aim of this study was to investigate the correlations between
knee extensor strength of the affected lower limb in patients with chronic
stroke and other functional performance tests. Ten subjects with post-stroke
hemiparesis (10 males; 54.3 ± 8.4 years old), who suffered
from stroke for more than three years (duration of 8.7 ±
4.5 years) participated in this study. Knee extensor strength was measured
using a hand-held dynamometer. Gait velocity was assessed when performing a
5-metre walk (5MWV), and additional parameters [the 5-minute walking distance
(5MWD), the functional reach test (FRT), a timed up-and-go test (TUG) and Berg
balance scale (BBS)] were also assessed as parameters of functional performance
in each subject. It was demonstrated that knee extensor strength had
significant Pearson's r correlation with 5MV (r=0.459,
p< 0.05), FRT (r=0.781,
p< 0.01), TUG (r=−0.538,
p< 0.01) and BBS (r=0.758,
p< 0.05). Therefore, knee extensor strength may be a
moderate to good predictor of functional performance in patients with chronic
stroke hemiparesis.
