The effect of trunk exercises with hip strategy training to maximize independence level and balance for patient with stroke: Randomized controlled study.

Background: Balance while seated and the capacity to conduct selective trunk movements are significant predictors of functional outcomes following stroke. Patients with inappropriate muscle activation and inadequate movement control in the trunk muscles cause mobility and daily function difficulties. Stroke patients have weak leg muscles and decreased balance, resulting in compensatory changes. Functional postural strategy training is necessary to restore balance in these patients. Few studies have examined the effect of physical therapy trunk exercises with hip strategy training on improving balance and increasing independence after stroke.

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effect of selective trunk exercises (STE) with hip strategy training in improving balance in patients with stroke as well as independence levels.

Method: A multicenter inpatient stroke treatment randomized pre- and post-test control trial. Forty-six stroke survivors were randomly allocated to experimental or control groups (n = 23 each). The experimental group received hip strategy training and trunk exercises. All groups received Neuro-Developmental Treatment (NDT)-based physical therapy four times a week for 6 weeks. Trunk impairment scale, Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and functional independence measure (FIM) measured static and dynamic seated balance, functional balance, and trunk movement coordination pre- and post-therapy.

Results: The experimental group's post-therapeutic measures were substantially higher than the control group. The experimental group's TIS score, and subscale improved more than the control group. The experimental group considerably increased the BBS score. The experimental group also showed greater FIM gains.

Conclusions: This study demonstrated that adding STE in conjunction with hip strategy training to patients after has a positive impact on trunk control while maintaining static and dynamic sitting balance, functional balance, and independence levels which are effective in stroke rehabilitation.