EFFICACY OF ISOKINETIC STRENGTH TRAINING AND BALANCE EXERCISES ON LOWER LIMB MUSCLES IN SUBJECTS WITH STROKE

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of isokinetic strength training and balance exercises on lower limb muscles among the subjects suffering with stroke. Materials and Methods: 40 subjects who are suffering from stroke were divided into two groups, Experimental group received Isokinetic strength training and balance e xercises (n=20) and Control group received conventional physiotherapy, results were measured with Isokinetic device and Berg balance scale for peak torque of knee extensors on paretic leg and balance respectively. Results: obtained results were analyzed with the use of Paired T-test, which has been carried out to observe the treat- ment impact between the groups before and after the treatment. After a 6 week treatment period, the sub- jects in the Group I (strength training and balance exercise) compared with the subjects in the Grou p II (con- ventional physiotherapy) had shown a statistically significant improvement with the outcome measures at 0.05 level. Conclusion: Isokinetic strength training and balance exercise was found much effective in improving strength of quadriceps lower limb and balance in subjects with stroke.