The mean isometric maximal strength values for knee extensors and elbow flexors were monitored every month in our laboratory during the 4-month home-based training program in the exercise group (table 2). The isometric maximal strength values of the control group at baseline (t 0) and after 4 month (t 4) were compared. No significant differences were found, although a decrease in the mean values was observed. In the exercise group the mean isometric maximal strength significantly improved after 4 months, compared to the average baseline values (table 2).