Effects of a novel forced intensive strengthening technique on muscle size and upper extremity function in a patient with chronic stroke

[Purpose] This research demonstrated a forced intensive strength technique as a noveltreatment for muscle power and function in the affected upper extremity muscle todetermine the clinical feasibility with respect to upper extremity performance in a strokehemiparesis. [Subject and Methods] The subject was a patient with chronic stroke who wasdependent on others for performing the functional activities of his affected upperextremity. The technique incorporates a comprehensive approach of forced, intensive, andstrength-inducing activities to enhance morphological changes associated with motorlearning of the upper extremity. The forced intensive strength technique consisted of a6-week course of sessions lasting 60 minutes per day, five times a week. [Results] Afterthe 6-week intervention, the difference between relaxation and contraction of the affectedextensor carpi radialis muscle increased from 0.28 to 0.63 cm², and that of theaffected triceps brachii muscle increased from 0.30 to 0.90 cm². The results ofclinical tests including the modified Ashworth scale (MAS; from 1+ to 1), muscle strength(from 15 to 32 kg), the manual function test (MFT; scores of 16/32 to 27/32 score), theFugl-Meyer assessment (FMA; scores of 29/66 to 49/66 score), and the Jebsen-Taylor handfunction test (JTHFT; from 38/60 to 19/60 sec) were improved. [Conclusion] Our resultssuggest that the forced intensive strength technique may have a beneficial effect on themuscle size of the upper extremity and motor function in patients with chronic stroke.Key words: Upper extremity, Strength, Stroke