Immediate effects of circular trunk movements on reach distance and centre of pressure distance during a multidirectional seated reach task in participants with post-stroke hemiparesis: a non-randomised controlled trial

Abstract

Background/Aims Sitting balance training is an important therapeutic tool used by physical and occupational therapists who work with patients with hemiparesis, many of whom have difficulty shifting their weight while sitting. This study assessed the immediate effects of circular trunk movements on the maximum reach distance and the centre of pressure distance that could be achieved during a multidirectional reach task in participants with post-stroke hemiparesis and healthy individuals as a control group. Methods This non-randomised controlled study included 26 participants with hemiparesis and 10 age-matched control participants. A functional reach apparatus, body pressure distribution measuring system and digital video camera were used to measure multidirectional reach, centre of pressure trajectories and circular trunk movements. The participants completed the assessments in the following order: multidirectional reach, circular trunk movements and repeat multidirectional reach. The authors classified the centre of pressure trajectories into type A (oval) and type B (non-oval) tracings according to the shape displayed by the circular trunk movements, which corresponded to the level of trunk function. The reach distance and centre of pressure distance before and after the circular trunk movements were compared. Results The reach distance and centre of pressure distance values in the front direction of participants with hemiparesis who exhibited type A tracings and had higher trunk function were significantly greater after completing circular trunk movements. In contrast, the reach distance and centre of pressure distance values of participants in all directions who exhibited type B tracings and had lower trunk function were significantly greater after completing circular trunk movements. Conclusions Circular trunk movements appeared to affect both reach distance and centre of pressure distance, particularly in participants with hemiparesis with type B tracings and lower trunk function. Implications for practice Physical and occupational therapists could incorporate circular trunk movements into rehabilitation programmes to help individuals with post-stroke hemiparesis improve their reach distance, trunk function and ability to shift their weight while sitting.