The Effect of Trunk Stability Training Based on Visual Feedback on Trunk Stability, Balance, and Upper Limb Function in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Control Trial.

Seok-Hui Yang,Eun-Jung Chung,Jin Lee,Su-Hyun Lee,Byoung-Hee Lee

doi:10.3390/healthcare9050532

Seok-Hui Yang, Eun-Jung Chung + Show 3 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare9050532

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Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effects of trunk stability training based on visual feedback on trunk stability, balance, and upper limb function in patients with stroke. Twenty-eight patients with chronic stroke were randomly assigned to either a trunk support group (n = 14) or a trunk restraint group (n = 14) that practiced upper limb training with trunk support and trunk restraint, respectively, based on visual feedback for 30 min per day, three times per week, for 4 weeks. The postural assessment scale for stroke (PASS) was used to assess the stability of patients, and the functional reaching test (FRT) was performed to assess balance. To assess upper extremity function, a range of motion (ROM) test, manual muscle testing (MMT), and Fugl–Meyer assessment-upper limb (FMA-upper limb) were performed. Consequently, both groups showed significant differences before and after training in the PASS, FRT, shoulder flexion ROM, triceps brachii MMT, and FMA-upper limb (p < 0.05), while the trunk support group showed more significant improvements than the trunk restraint group in the PASS, FRT, and FMA-upper limb (p < 0.05). Trunk support-based upper limb training effectively improved trunk stability, balance, and upper limb function and is beneficial as an upper limb training method. Providing trunk support is more effective than restricting the trunk; trunk support-based upper limb training is expected to promote voluntary participation when combined with visual feedback.

Highlights

66% of patients with stroke suffer from impairments in daily life due to impaired function and movement of the upper limbs [1]
There was no significant difference between the groups
Values are expressed as mean ± standard deviation; ROM = range of motion; manual muscle testing (MMT) = manual muscle test; FMA-upper limb = Fugl–Meyer assessment-upper limb test

Summary

Introduction

66% of patients with stroke suffer from impairments in daily life due to impaired function and movement of the upper limbs [1]. Regaining the optimal level of use of the damaged upper limbs is important, as upper limb function is essential for daily life activities [2]. Strength exercises [3], task-oriented practice [4], and upper limb training using robots [5] have been used to address upper limb function problems in patients with stroke, these interventions do not provide the patient with instantaneous corrective information about movement errors during training [6]. Visual feedback-based upper extremity training is often used as a method for correcting movement errors [7]. Visual feedback-based upper extremity training can help improve balance and induce interest in rehabilitation in patients with stroke [8]. Patients with a low capacity to accommodate feedback effect should be provided with a device to support their capacity [9]

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