Effects of lower limb motion control training combined with core stability training on the lower limb motor function of hemiplegic patients after stroke

Abstract

Objective To observe the effects of lower limb motion control training using virtual games combined with core stability training (CST) on the lower limb motor function of hemiplegic patients after stroke. Methods Sixty hemiplegic stroke patients were divided into an observation group and a control group (n=30 in each) using a random number table. The control group was given conventional treatment and CST, while the observation group received lower limb motion control training using virtual games in addition to conventional treatment and CST. All of the patients were assessed using the Fugl-Meyer lower limb assessment (FMA), the Berg balance scale (BBS), the modified Barthel index (MBI), 10 metre maximum walking speed (MWS) and functional ambulation categorization (FAC) before and after 8 weeks of treatment. Results Before the intervention there was no significant difference between the two groups in any of the measurements. After the treatment, however, the average FMA, BBS, MBI, MWS and FAC in the observation group were significantly better than those before treatment and those in the control group. Conclusions Lower limb motion control training using virtual games combined with core stability training can improve effectively the lower limb motor function of hemiplegic patients after stroke. Such a combination is worth applying in clinical practice. Key words: Virtual games; Lower limbs; Motion control training; Core stability training; Stroke; Motor function