Strength training was aimed particularly at lower limb
muscles without performing task-specific walking exercises.
The first session of strength training focused on
the configuration of a set of feasible exercises, and this
set was adapted throughout the intervention period to
meet the participant’s needs, capabilities and progress.
One training session consisted of 10 min of warming up
on a bicycle, rowing ergometer or cross trainer, followed
by approximately 4-6 exercises, where we aimed for 3
bouts of 10-12 repetitions at 70% of maximal voluntary
contraction, which was determined in the first session.
These exercises were put together individually; examples
of exercises that were performed by all participants were
isotonic leg press in supine position and isotonic hip adduction,
abduction, flexion and extension at the wall pulley
(standing, with/without resistance) or on the examination
table (lying, with/without additional weights).