People who have a stroke commonly experience a loss of strength. The average strength of the affected upper and lower limb in people who have had a significant stroke ranges from 30 to 50% of normal. The loss of strength reduces the extent of participation of people after stroke.

Although progressive resistance training can increase strength after stroke, it can be laborious to set up and progress. An alternative is repetitive practice of tasks (such as walking, reaching and manipulation of objects) without added resistance.

Repetitive practice improves the ability of people to undertake activities after stroke, but its effect on strength is unclear.