Effect of Diagonal Pattern Training on Trunk Function, Balance, and Gait in Stroke Patients

Abstract

<jats:p>Introduction: Trunk control disability commonly occurs after stroke. This study investigated the effect of diagonal pattern training in the sitting position to improve trunk control ability and gait performance. Method: 46 stroke patients were enrolled in this study. We used single plane training and diagonal pattern training. Additionally, the subjects were randomly assigned to the experiment group (diagonal pattern training) and the control group (single plane training). Diagonal pattern training was modified with proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation technique’s chopping and lifting pattern to create 10 movements. Results: the trunk impairment scale score, Berg balance scale score, 10 m walking test result, and gait significantly increased in the experiment group compared to the control group. Conclusions: diagonal pattern training can be regarded as a promising method to improve postural control and increase balance and gait in stroke patients</jats:p>

Concepts and Application of Tai Ji in Stroke Rehabilitation: A Narrative Review

“…To explain how Tai Ji promotes neuroplasticity, it is essential to understand that, functional movement to perform a particular task, does not depend solely on single plane movement but, rather, a more complex movement involving the activation and inhibition of certain muscle groups ( 36 , 37 ). As such, PNF involves a series of diagonal movement patterns that resembles components of normal functional movements and has been reported to produce greater adaptive plasticity through the increase of neural recruitment of the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex, and the primary motor cortex as compared to the single plane movement ( 6 , 38 ). Although Tai Ji movements are martial art based and do not specifically focus on daily tasks, circular movement in Tai Ji carries similar concepts of PNF diagonal and spiral movement.…”

“…A recent review on trunk electromyographic (EMG) activity following stroke reported that individuals with stroke demonstrated differences in the trunk EMG recruitment timing, magnitude, and symmetry when comparing the paretic and non-paretic sides ( 5 ). While functional disability such as poor postural control and gait performance in stroke is associated with trunk control disability commonly occurring after a stroke, the trunk component should not be neglected when developing a stroke rehabilitation program ( 6 ).…”

Feasibility of Chest Wall and Diaphragm Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) Techniques in Mechanically Ventilated Patients

“…Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) is a widely used physical therapy approach [ 6 ], which is most commonly used to enhance mobility, motor learning, and motor control in a wide variety of patient populations [ 7 , 8 , 9 , 10 , 11 , 12 ]. This treatment has also been shown to be beneficial in a healthy population to increase expiratory reserve volume (ERV) and vital capacity (VC) [ 13 ], forced vital capacity (FVC), and peak expiratory flow (PEF) [ 14 ].…”