Therapeutic effects of reaching with forward bending of trunk on postural stability, dynamic balance, and gait in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke

Abstract

[Purpose] The objective of this study was to perform forward bending of the trunk and reaching training in chronic stroke patients and to investigate subsequent changes in trunk control, dynamic balance, and gait. [Subject] Twenty-three chronic stroke patients were randomly divided into two groups, with 10 patients in the forward bending of the trunk and reaching group and 13 patients in the control group. [Methods] Both groups underwent 30 minutes of rehabilitation therapy, five days a week, for four weeks. The forward bending of the trunk and reaching group additionally performed forward bending of the trunk and reaching training five times a week for four weeks, which involved four sets of pressing buttons 35 times, for a total of 140 button presses per session. The subjects were tested before and after training using the Trunk Impairment Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Six-Minute Walking Test, and 10-Meter Walking Test. Trunk control, dynamic balance, and walking ability were compared between the two groups. [Result] The results of the study showed that the results of the Trunk Impairment Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, Six-Minute Walking Test improved significantly in the FBR group, while there were no significant differences in the control group. [Conclusion] This study results suggest that forward bending of the trunk and reaching training can be an effective exercise method for chronic stroke patients.

Efeitos do exercício de tronco na recuperação funcional da marcha em pacientes pós acidente vascular cerebral: uma revisão sistemática

“…A aplicação da facilitação neuromuscular proprioceptiva (FNP), foi utilizada com intuito de melhorar a estabilidade de tronco por meio de mudanças da altura da cadeira sem encosto, encontrando resultados positivos na velocidade da marcha, cadência, comprimento do passo do lado afetado, no entanto no ciclo da marcha não foram observadas alterações significativas. 11 Jeon, Lee e Kim, 17 avaliaram o efeito do exercício de alcance em flexão direta, que consistia em movimentos de flexão e extensão de tronco para apertar botões aleatórios observados na tela de um laptop, posicionado na altura do joelho, somados a exercícios de reabilitação convencional. Após o protocolo de 4 semanas houve melhora no controle de tronco, equilíbrio, resistência e velocidade de caminhada, comparado ao grupo controle que realizava apenas terapia de reabilitação convencional.…”

Effects of Home-Based Boxing Training on Trunk Performance, Balance, and Enjoyment of Patients With Chronic Stroke

“…The exclusion criteria were as follows: 1) Modified Ashworth Scale score greater than 2 for shoulder adductors, elbow flexors, wrist flexors, hip adductors, knee extensors, and ankle plantar flexor muscles; 2) patients with contraversive pushing or bilateral hemiplegia; and 3) other safety contraindications to exercise. A sample of 9 patients per group was necessary to achieve 80% power at a 5% significance level, with a 15% dropout rate, based on a study by Jeon et al [12]. Concealed allocation was performed using a computerized program for either the boxing or control group to reduce selection bias.…”

Detecting Fatigue during Exoskeleton-Assisted Trunk Flexion Tasks: A Machine Learning Approach

“…Engaging in activities while fatigued can lead to detrimental effects, such as impaired balance and reduced control over body movements, thereby escalating the risk of falls [23,24]. While Back-Support Industrial Exoskeletons (BSIEs) may offer benefits in reducing the rate of muscle fatigue, they might also increase users' susceptibility to falls [25], particularly with additional weight (2.2-4.5 kg), and the assistive torque provided could impact the wearer's stability [23]. These concerns are exacerbated during dynamic tasks with increased inertial forces and in awkward or asymmetric postures [18,[26][27][28].…”