Muscle thickness and fear of movement after stroke

This research study is looking at how leg muscle size changes after stroke and whether simple strength tests and questionnaires can accurately measure these changes. The researchers will use ultrasound—the same safe imaging tool used during pregnancy—to measure the thickness of your thigh muscle and compare those measurements to your grip strength and answers on a brief questionnaire about physical function.

After a stroke, many people lose muscle mass in their legs because they move less and their muscles don't work as well, which makes it harder to walk and stay independent. The researchers also want to understand whether fear of movement—a common and understandable worry after stroke—might be connected to losing muscle, so they can better help stroke survivors stay active and strong.