Effects of trunk exercises on balance in hemiplegic stroke patients
Abstract
Background: Stroke, also referred to as cerebrovascular accident, is a leading cause of long-term disability and mortality worldwide. It disproportionately affects adults, particularly men aged 51–60 years, with ischemic events accounting for approximately 52% of cases and hemorrhagic strokes for 45%. Common risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. Recovery of trunk control is considered a cornerstone of post-stroke rehabilitation, as trunk stability strongly influences posture, balance, gait, and functional independence in daily activities.
Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effects of trunk exercises on balance in hemiplegic stroke patients.
Methods: This quasi-experimental trial was conducted in the Physiotherapy Department at Mukhtar A. Sheikh Trust Hospital, Multan. A total of 34 hemiplegic stroke patients meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited through non-probability sampling and randomly assigned into two groups. Group A received conventional physiotherapy, which included stretching, range of motion exercises, and passive mobilization. Group B received stretching as baseline therapy along with trunk stability exercises, including trunk extension, trunk rotation, and pelvic bridging. Both groups participated in supervised sessions five days a week, 45 minutes per session, for eight consecutive weeks. Outcome measures included the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Data were analyzed using SPSS…
How strong is the evidence?
Evidence Hub reads this as a randomized trial, done in people. Its evidence level is 2 of 5 (High · randomized trial). Randomized trials of a reasonable size are the strongest single-study design. Reported size: 34 participants or records.
Read the paper
Related studies
- Tobacco and COPD: presenting the World Health Organization (WHO) Tobacco Knowledge Summary
- Comparative effects of e-cigarette smoking on periodontal status, salivary pH, and cotinine levels
- Association between exposure to environmental pollutants and increased oral health risks, a comprehensive review
- Influence of gestational window on offspring vascular health in rodents with in utero exposure to electronic cigarettes
- Natural products as kinase inhibitors in lung cancer: molecular mechanisms, therapeutic potential, and clinical trials
- Nicotine in electronic cigarettes
Go deeper in Evidence Hub
Evidence Hub adds a study data sheet (design, sample size, evidence level, key numbers), an AI summary and a chat grounded in the paper's text.