A Study on Core Stability Training for Postural Control Ability and Respiratory Function in Patients with Chronic Stroke

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of the core-stability training on postural control ability and respiratory function in patients with chronic stroke. 30 subjects were randomly assigned to 2 groups. Experimental group (n=15) received core-stability training and control group (n=15) received general exercise. Each program was performed 30 min, 4 times a week for a period of 8 weeks.Core-stability training included a therapeutic program to train abdominal muscle strength. General exercise include weight bearing and weight shifts and joint movements to improve flexibility and the range of motion. For all 30 subject, the items measured before the training were measured after the therapeutic intervention. To observe postural control changes, we measured maintenance & change of posture, balance and coordination ability with postural assessment scale for stroke (PASS) and trunk impairment scale (TIS). The respiratory functions were measured forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume at one second (FEV1) using spirometer. After training, the PASS and TIS scores was significantly improved in experimental group (p<.05), and the experimental group showed significantly difference from control group (p<.05). In respiratory function test, experimental group more significantly increased than before (p<.05), and showed significantly difference from control group (p<.05). The results of this study showed that the core-stability training may be appropriate for improving the trunk stability and respiratory function in chronic stroke patients.