Effects of eccentric resistance training after stroke on body function, activities of daily living and cognitive function: A review

Impairments on body function, activities of daily living (ADL) and cognition are common after stroke. Eccentric resistance training (ERT) may be implemented to improve them.

The primary objectives were to evaluate whether ERT improves body function, ADL and cognition after stroke. The secondary objectives were to evaluate whether ERT improves strength, gait, quality of life, and self-perceived health.

Seven electronic databases were searched: Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register, PubMed, Epistemonikos, Embase, SPORTDiscus, and WHO International Clinical Trials Registry Platform. Last search was run in December 2023, including studies since 2012.

Selection criteria were studies with stroke participants of both sexes, aged 18 or more, with an intervention based on ERT. Accepted languages were English, Spanish or French.

First search was done in pairs. Authors removed duplicate studies and those which did not meet inclusion criteria through title and abstracts. Finally, all authors, independently, screened the final search results and extracted data.

Of 68 records identified, 15 were eligible and 6 were finally included (with moderate risk of bias), analyzing 159 participants. Body function (4 interventions, n ​= ​84), gait (4 interventions, n ​= ​115) and strength (3 interventions, n ​= ​78) showed significantly better results when ERT was performed. Meta-analysis could not be done because of the few studies and their heterogeneity.

This review provided low-moderate quality evidence suggesting that ERT might be effective at improving body function, strength, and gait after stroke. Besides, no harm was documented, and it was well-accepted.