Isokinetic testing in patients with hemiparesis. A pilot study.

The Cybex II isokinetic dynamometer was used to measure quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscle function in 15 patients with hemiparesis. Comparisons of isokinetic data obtained at 30 degrees/sec and 180 degrees/sec were made between the involved and uninvolved side of patients and the right side of 15 healthy subjects matched by age, sex, and weight. Peak torque of both muscles on both sides of the patients was significantly less than the peak torque of muscles of healthy subjects at both speeds. Other significant differences occurred on the involved side including decreased limb excursion, prolonged time factors related to tension development and the interval between reciprocal contractions, and fatigability at high speed. Results indicated that isokinetic testing can provide objective information about quadriceps femoris and hamstring muscle performance in hemiparetic patients.