The Correlation Research Of The Effect Of Knee Muscle Function On Motor Function Among People With Stroke

ObjectiveTo compare the knee muscle strength with paretic and nonparetic side, and to investigate the effect of knee muscle function on motor function among people with stroke.MethodsThirty people with mean(SD) age of 53.73 years and time after stroke of 95.6 days participated our study and matched the functional measures with the corresponding ICF (International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health) domains:body function(muscle power, muscle tone, motor reflex and voluntary motor control)and activities and participation(walking, walking on different surface). Isokinetic concentric knee extensors and flexors were measures at 60°/s, muscle tone was assessed using Modified Ashworth Scale. Activities and participation was assessed by gait performance (ten-meter comfortable gait speed, Timed Up & Go and Functional ambulation category scale). Leg sub-score was assessed by Fulg-Meyer scale, balance function was assessed by Berg Balance scale. Analysis of the relationship between two variables of body function (muscle strength, muscle tone) and activities and participation and balance function (selected measures).Results1.Compare to the nonparetic side, the knee muscle strength and armstring-to-quadriceps ratio of paretic side were significant lower (p<0.05).2.There was a statistical correlation (p<0.05) between knee extensor of nonparetic side and Functional ambulation category scale and Timed Up & Go but not for the Fugl-Meyer scale, Berg Balance scale and ten-meter comfortable gait speed. There was no statistical correlation between knee flexor of nonparetic side and Fugl-Meyer scale, Berg Balance scale, Functional ambulation category scale and ten-meter comfortable gait speed but except for Timed Up & Go.3.There was a statistical correlation (p<0.01) between knee extensor of paretic side and Fugl-Meyer scale, Berg Balance scale, Functional ambulation category scale, ten-meter comfortable gait speed and Timed Up & Go. There was a statistical correlation (p<0.01) between knee flexor of paretic side and Fugl-Meyer scale, Berg Balance scale, ten-meter comfortable gait speed and Timed Up & Go but not for Functional ambulation category scale.4.Both knee extensor and flexor tone of paretic side have no statistical correlation with Fugl-Meyer scale, Berg Balance scale, Functional ambulation category scale, ten-meter comfortable gait speed and Timed Up & Go (p>0.05).Conclusion1. The harmstring-to-quadriceps ratio of paretic side was lower than nonparetic side, especially the harmstring strength has significant decreased.2. The impairment of body function (knee extensor and flexor strength of paretic side) among people post-stroke have a significant impact on motor function. The rehabilitation intervention must focus on the improvements in knee muscle strength.3.The basis of ICF framework further reflected the modern medical pattern in interpreting relationships between the impairment of body function and activities and participation. It also put emphasis on the difference between rehabilitation medicine and clinical medicine.