Abstract. [Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of strengthening exercises for the
hip extensors on the gait performance and stability of patients with hemiplegia. [Subjects and Methods] The subjects
were fifteen stroke patients (ten males, five females). The experimental subjects performed a hip extensor
strengthening exercise (HESE) program for a total of four weeks. [Results] The experimental subjects showed significant
improvements after the HESE program. Especially, walking speed and the affected side stance phase time
significantly increased after the HESE program. Furthermore, the affected side stride length and symmetry index
in the stance phase significantly increased after HESE program. [Conclusion] These results suggest that the HESE
program may, in part, help to improve gait performance ability and stabilize physical disability after stroke.
Key words: Stroke patients, Hip extensor strengthening exercise (HESE) program, Gait function