Effect of trunk stabilization exercise on abdominal muscle thickness, balance and gait abilities of patients with hemiplegic stroke: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Trunk stability has been identified as an important prerequisite of functional movement. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effectiveness of core muscle contraction training on abdominal muscle thickness, balance, and gait ability in stroke patients. METHODS: Thirty patients with stroke were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and a control group. All groups received conventional therapeutic exercise program for six weeks. The experimental groups additionally trained trunk stability exercise with abdominal hollowing or bracing maneuvers within training time. Primary outcome measures were evaluated abdominal muscle thickness using the sonography. Secondary outcome measures were evaluated by the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). RESULTS: Compared with the control group, the effect of trunk stability training for the experimental groups on the abdominal muscles thickness change was observed (p < 0.05). The values in balance and gait measures, BBS, FRT, 10MWT, and TUG, showed significant improvement after the intervention periods (p < 0.05), although no significant differences were found in scores of gait and balance scales among groups. CONCLUSIONS: Trunk stability training with selective abdominal muscles activation has beneficial effects on abdominal muscles, balance, and mobility in stroke patients. Our findings might provide support for introducing stroke rehabilitation.

Effect of the Trunk and Upper Limb Passive Stabilization on Hand Movements and Grip Strength Following Various Types of Strokes—An Observational Cohort Study

“…Previous studies have shown that upper limb task training with abdominal cramps (i.e., active stabilization of the trunk) improved gait and balance in patients with hemiparesis [ 42 , 43 ]. On the other hand, the influence of passive trunk and shoulder stabilization on hand and wrist movement has been rarely analyzed.…”

Effectiveness of dynamic neuromuscular stabilisation for improving trunk control in hemiplegic stroke: A scoping mini review

“…Most of the studies on trunk muscle training for improving trunk function showed favourable results in both sub-acute and chronic stroke patients, with a duration of intervention ranging between two to eight weeks. Rehabilitative approaches targeting trunk function in stroke included specific trunk training exercises (TTE), trunk training exercises with a modality, Bobath approach/Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT), abdominal hollowing, abdominal bracing, and conventional therapy (Cabanas-Valdés et al, 2013;Lee et al, 2020). NDT is the most studied approach for improving trunk function in hemiplegic stroke.…”

Superior gait performance and balance ability in Latin dancers

“…The mode and efficiency of a person’s gait depend on core and lower limb muscle strength, coordination, and free joint mobility ( 9 , 10 ). Accumulating evidence suggests that exercise interventions, such as muscle strength, endurance, and balance training, can improve gait performance in healthy adults, especially in elderly subjects ( 11 ).…”