Using the power-flow equation, we have examined the state of mode coupling in strained and unstrained step-index plastic optical fibers. The strained fibers show much stronger mode coupling than unstrained fibers of the same types. As a result, the coupling lengths where equilibrium mode distribution is achieved and the lengths of fiber required for achieving a steady-state mode distribution for strained fibers are much shorter than the corresponding lengths for unstrained fibers. (c) 2006 Optical Society of America.