Circuit Training in Community-Living “Younger” Men After Stroke

Objectives: We sought to assess a training program focused on muscle strength and endurance in persons with prior stroke. Methods: Thirty men with a slight hemiparesis caused by a first occurrence of stroke at least 6 months earlier were included with an average age of 54 years. The following was assessed before and after an 8-week period: muscle strength, endurance, work capacity, and activity level. The training group consisted of 21 persons and 9 served as control subjects. There were no differences between the groups in the various assessments from the start. The training was set up as circuit training with 5 stations aiming to strengthen the muscles and increase endurance in the bilateral lower limbs. The session lasted for 45 minutes, 3 times per week, for 8 weeks. On eligible persons in the training group, double-sided muscle biopsies were also performed before and after. Results: There was significance in improved muscle strength and improved peak oxygen uptake for the paretic leg, which was reflected in the muscle enzymes. The nonparetic side also showed improvement, but to a lesser extent. The control group remained unchanged. Conclusions: Stroke survivors can improve muscle strength, endurance, and work capacity in both the paretic and nonparetic leg with a circuit training program.