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. 2020 Nov 17:2020:5090193.
doi: 10.1155/2020/5090193. eCollection 2020.

Effect of Task-Specific Training on Trunk Control and Balance in Patients with Subacute Stroke

Mohamed E Khallaf  1   2
Affiliations

Effect of Task-Specific Training on Trunk Control and Balance in Patients with Subacute Stroke

Mohamed E Khallaf. Neurol Res Int. .

Abstract

Objectives: Impairment of static and dynamic posture control is common after stroke. It is found to be a predictor and an essential component for balance, walking ability, and activities of daily living (ADL) outcomes. Studies investigating effect of physical therapy techniques with an aim to improve trunk function after stroke are limited. This study aimed at studying the effect of task-specific training on trunk control and balance in patients with subacute stroke.

Methods: In this randomized controlled trail, thirty-four patients were alienated into two equal groups. The study group (n = 17) received task-specific training, and the control group (n = 17) received conventional physical therapy based on the neurodevelopmental technique. Task-specific training was applied through two phases with criteria of progression based on Chedoke-McMaster Stroke Assessment postural control stages. The interventions were applied in a dosage of 60 min per session, three times a week for ten weeks. Static and dynamic balance were measured by the trunk impairment scale (TIS), postural assessment scale (PAS), and functional reach test (FRT). Laser-guided digital goniometer was used to measure the trunk ranges of motions (ROM) as a secondary outcome.

Results: Significant differences between the baseline and the follow-up measures including TIS, PAS, FRT, and trunk (ROM) were found in both groups (P ≤ 0.05). In-between group comparison also showed significant differences between the results of both groups indicating more improvements among patients representing the study group.

Conclusion: Task-specific training may be effective in improving the static and dynamic postural control and trunk ranges of motion among subacute stroke patients.

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Conflict of interest statement

The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Study flowchart: n number; NDT: neurodevelopmental technique.
Figure 2
Figure 2
Measurement of the (a) trunk extension, (b) neutral, and (c) trunk flexion. A laser-guided digital goniometer (HALO) is fastened to a belt around the waist while standing.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Measurement of the trunk (a) lateral flexion to the left, (b) neutral, and (c) lateral flexion to the right. A laser-guided digital goniometer (HALO) is fastened to a belt around the waist while standing.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Within and in-between group comparison of the mean ± standard deviations (SD) of pre- and posttreatment measures of the trunk range of motions.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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