Electromyographic comparison of conventional machine strength training versus bodyweight exercises in patients with chronic stroke

• Published in: Topics in stroke rehabilitation 2017-01, Vol.24 (4), p.242-249
• Main Authors: Vinstrup, Jonas, Calatayud, Joaquin, Jakobsen, Markus D., Sundstrup, Emil, Jay, Kenneth, Brandt, Mikkel, Zeeman, Peter, Jørgensen, Jørgen R., Andersen, Lars L.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Aged; bodyweight; Chronic Disease; Comparative analysis; Electromyography; Electromyography - methods; Exercise; Exercise Therapy - methods; Female; Hemiplegia - etiology; Hemiplegia - physiopathology; Hemiplegia - rehabilitation; Humans; leg press; Lower Extremity - physiopathology; Male; Middle Aged; Muscle, Skeletal - physiopathology; Muscular system; Outcome Assessment (Health Care); physical therapy; rehabilitation; resistance training; Resistance Training - methods; Stroke; Stroke - complications; Stroke - physiopathology; Stroke - therapy; Stroke Rehabilitation - methods; Weight; Weight Lifting - physiology
• ISSN: 1074-9357; 1945-5119
• DOI: 10.1080/10749357.2016.1274466

Objective: To investigate whether bodyweight exercises can induce comparable levels of muscle activity as conventional machine exercises in chronic stroke patients. Methods: Eighteen patients performed three repetitions of bilateral- and unilateral machine leg press and the bodyweight exercises chair rise and hip thrust. Surface electromyography (EMG) was recorded from 10 lower extremity muscles and normalized to maximal EMG (nEMG) of the non-paretic leg. Results: For the paretic leg, the bodyweight exercises showed comparable levels of nEMG in 6 out of 10 muscles compared with the bilateral leg press. Vastus lateralis nEMG was higher during bilateral leg press compared with hip thrust (38% [95% CI 33-42] vs. 10% [95% CI 6-15], p