OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of progressive resistance training on muscle strength, muscle tone, gait performance and perceived participation after stroke. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial. SUBJECTS: Twenty-four subjects (mean age 61 years (standard deviation 5)) 6 to 48 months post-stroke. METHODS: The training group (n = 15) participated in supervised progressive resistance training of the knee muscles (80% of maximum) twice weekly for 10 weeks, and the control group (n = 9) continued their usual daily activities. Both groups were assessed before and after the intervention and at follow-up after 5 months. Muscle strength was evaluated dynamically and isokinetically (60 degrees/sec) and muscle tone by the Modified Ashworth Scale. Gait performance was evaluated by Timed "Up and Go", Fast Gait Speed and 6-Minute Walk tests, and perceived participation by Stroke Impact Scale. RESULTS: Muscle strength increased significantly after progressive resistance training with no increase in muscle tone and improvements were maintained at follow-up. Both groups improved in gait performance, but at follow-up only Timed "Up and Go" and perceived participation were significantly better for the training group. CONCLUSIONS: Progressive resistance training is an effective intervention to improve muscle strength in chronic stroke. There appear to be long-term benefits, but further studies are needed to clarify the effects, specifically of progressive resistance training on gait performance and participation.

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