Research article - (2005)04, 556 - 562
A Pilot Study to Investigate Explosive Leg Extensor Power and Walking Performance After Stroke
Helen Dawes1,3,, Catherine Smith2, Johnny Collett3, Derick Wade4, Ken Howells3, Roger Ramsbottom3, Hooshang Izadi5, Cath Sackley6
1Department of Clinical Neurology, University of Oxford, UK
2School of Healthcare, Oxford Brookes University, UK
3School of Biological and Molecular Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, UK
4Oxford Centre for Enablement, Oxford, UK
5School of Technology, Department of Mathematical Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, UK
6School of Health Sciences, University of Birmingham, UK

Helen Dawes
✉ Movement Science Group, School of Biological and Molecular Sciences, Oxford Brookes University, UK
Email: hdawes@brookes.ac.uk
Received: 27-06-2005 -- Accepted: 18-10-2005
Published (online): 01-12-2005
ABSTRACT

We examined explosive leg extensor power (LEP) and gait in men and women after a stroke using an experimental observational design. A convenience sample of consecutively referred individuals (8 men, 6 women) with chronic stroke mean age ± SD, range, 46.4 ± 8.4, 32 - 57 years, and able to walk for four minutes were recruited. The test re-test reliability and performance of LEP was measured together with walking parameters. LEP (Watts·kg-1) and gait measures during a four-minute walk; temporal-spatial gait parameters (GAITRite®) and oxygen cost of walking (mL·kg-1·m-1) were recorded. Percentage Asymmetry LEP (stronger LEP - weaker LEP/stronger LEP x 100) was calculated for each person. LEP was reliable from test to re-test ICC [3, 1] 0.8 - 0.7 (n = 9). Greater Asymmetry LEP correlated strongly with reduced walking velocity, cadence, stance time, and swing time on the weaker leg (n = 14) (p < 0.01). Findings demonstrate explosive LEP, in particular Percentage Asymmetry LEP, can be measured after stroke and is both reliable and related to walking performance. LEP training of the stronger or weaker leg warrants further investigation in this group.
Key words: Stroke, leg extensor power, walking, asymmetry

Key Points
  • Explosive leg power (LEP) is a reliable measure in individuals recovering from a stroke.
  • Significant asymmetry occurred in LEP in this group.
  • Greater LEP asymmetry related to reduced walking performance after stroke.








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A Pilot Study to Investigate Explosive Leg Extensor Power and Walking Performance After Stroke
Helen Dawes, Catherine Smith, Johnny Collett, Derick Wade, Ken Howells, Roger Ramsbottom, Hooshang Izadi, Cath Sackley
2005(04), 556 - 562.
DOI: https://doi.org/