Comparison of Routine Physical Therapy with And Without Core-Stability Exercises on Dynamic Sitting Balance and Trunk Control in Sub-Acute Ischemic Stroke Patients

Abstract

Stroke patients suffer from severe postural instability and likely to have a frequent number of drops and a higher limitation of post-fall activities. Stroke burden is increasing day by day which leads to significant musculoskeletal problems, physical and mechanical issue. Objectives: To compare the effects of routine physical therapy with and without core-stability exercises on trunk control and sitting balance in sub-acute ischemic-stroke patients. Methods: It was a Single blinding Randomized controlled trial. Total 58 patients participated in this study (29 in each group) with 20% drop out from Rabbani Hospital Thokar Lahore setting. In both groups control and experimental groups treatment given for the 45 mints per day in 8 week which includes conventional physical therapy with and without core stability exercises in as well. Exercises performed in sitting position on couch, chair and physio ball. BBS and TIS scale used for this study purpose. Data were collected through standardized questionnaire. Results: Total 15(62.5%) male and 9(37.5%) females in control group while 11(45.8%) males and 13(54.2%) females in experimental groups were included in study. BBS score in treatment groups before and after the treatment in control group is 11.29 while 20.25 in experimental group. TIS score in treatment groups before and after the treatment is 3.13 in control group while 4.88 in experimental group as well. Conclusions: It is concluded that core stability exercise training combined with conventional treatment helps sub-acute post-stroke patients improve their trunk control as well as their dynamic sitting and standing balance, gait, and capacity to do daily living tasks.