Muscle Strength Performance Characteristics of the Hip Abductor Muscles of Hemiplegic Stroke Patients: Relationship between Dynamic Characteristics and Performance

[Purpose] This study aimed to determine the static and dynamic characteristics of the hip abductor muscle strength of hemiplegic stroke patients. It also aimed to identify the relationships between the characteristics of muscle strength and walking ability and distance during a continuous weight shift (CWS). [Participants and Methods] Thirty patients with hemiplegia in a convalescent ward participated in this study. Their hip abductor muscle strength, walking ability, and distance during a CWS were measured and the correlations between muscle strength and performance were investigated. [Results] The results showed significantly decreased static and dynamic characteristics on the affected side. The CWS and muscle strength characteristics were positively correlated. Stride length was also correlated with the static characteristics of the affected-side muscle strength. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that CWS is possibly an option as an exercise for improving the dynamic characteristics of hip abductor muscle strength.