Original Research Article
Year: 2022 | Month: November | Volume: 12 | Issue: 11 | Pages: 210-221
DOI: https://doi.org/10.52403/ijhsr.20221127
Effect of Core Muscle Stabilization Exercises in Improving Upper Extremity Physical Performance and Trunk Control in Middle Cerebral Artery Stroke
Seenu Mathew1, Remya N2, Manju Unnikrishnan3, Chinchu Alwin4, Rejimol Jos Pulicken5, Reethu Elsa Baby6, Rakhi Balagopal7, Reeba Roy8, Anumol C9
1Post graduate student, Little Flower Institute of Medical and Research Centre, Angamaly, Kerala
2Professor and HOD, Little Flower Institute of Medical and Research Centre, Angamaly, Kerala
3Professor, Little Flower Institute of Medical and Research Centre, Angamaly, Kerala
4,5,6,7,8,9Associate Professor, Little Flower Institute of Medical and Research Centre, Angamaly, Kerala
Corresponding Author: Seenu Mathew
ABSTRACT
Background: Stroke in middle cerebral artery (MCA), causes impairment of trunk muscles and contralateral upper limb. Impairment of upper extremity (UE) function contributes greatly to functional disability after stroke.
Studies showed that trunk control is correlated to upper extremity physical performance. Strengthening trunk muscles using core stabilisation exercises may have a positive effect on improving upper limb and lower limb function. Nevertheless, there is paucity of literature proving the effect of core stabilisation exercises on upper extremity function in subjects with MCA stroke.
Objectives: To find the effect of core muscle stabilization exercises on upper extremity physical performance and trunk control in subjects with MCA stroke.
Methods: Thirty subjects were divided into two groups with 15 in each. Group A received core muscle stabilization exercises, with conventional therapy while Group B received conventional therapy alone. Duration of treatment was 5 days/week for 6 weeks. Fugl Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) was used to assess upper extremity physical performance and Trunk impairment scale (Verheyden) [(TIS (V)] was used to assess trunk control. Measurements were taken on the first day before the treatment and last day after the treatment.
Results: The statistical analysis was done using Mann Whitney U test and Wilcoxon Signed Rank test. Both the groups showed significant improvement when assessed using FMA- UE and TIS (V). Post-test mean of FMA-UE for group A was 47.20 and Group B was 39.46 whereas, TIS (V) for group A was 14.6 and Group B was 11.4. Group A showed significant changes in FMA- UE and TIS (V) when compared to Group B.
Conclusion: Core muscle stabilization exercises is effective in improving upper extremity physical performance and trunk control in subjects with MCA stroke.
Key words: Core stabilisation exercise; trunk control; upper extremity physical performance; MCA stroke