Effectiveness of passive stretching on unaffected calf muscle for improving standing balance for the patient with chronic hemiplegia.

Abstract

Background: Stroke severity strongly impacts functional results, making it the largest cause of lifelong disability. Chronic stroke survivors’ population in Bangladesh is increasing day by day and they often develop standing and walking balance problems. Method: A randomized controlled trial (RCT) was conducted in the seating of CRP Neurology & SRU unit. A total of 64 sample were included in the research. Randomization table was developed through XL software. Initially look all new patient of stroke than compare with inclusive criteria and select for a participant. The participant enters into groups according to randomization table. Initial data was collected at the start of the trial and again 6 sessions later. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used to evaluate the static balance of individuals who had experienced a stroke for an extended period. The control group was given conventional therapy, whereas the experimental group underwent passive stretching on the unaffected calf muscle. The BBS score is ordinal and from the normality test, the data was not normally distributed that’s why non parametric test require. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to evaluate the efficacy between groups. The Wilcoxon Signed Rank test was conducted to assess the improvements within the groups. Results: The analysis was conducted through SPSS and from Man Whitney U test use for the between group analysis and found that p value is (p = 0.001) where slandered significant level, p is (p≤0.05). It suggests that result is significant. The other test Wilcoxon test use for within both groups, the result of Experiment group p value is p=0.001but significant level is p≤0.05 that suggests result is significant. The other hand for control group p is found p= 0.001 but significant is p≤ 0.05 so this is also significant. Overall result proves the significant level of between experimental and control group and within individual group that has been scientifically proved that the null hypothesis had been rejected and accept the hypothesis. It means passive stretching on unaffected calf muscle improves the static balance. Conclusion: Passive stretching is an innovative method that has been shown to enhance static balance and improve the active balance of individuals who have had a stroke for an extended period of time. Patients often exhibit a greater dependence on the unaffected limb while doing their regular activities. This often leads to difficulties in the unaffected lower extremity. Passive stretching enhances static equilibrium, facilitating the smooth execution of regular activities. Keywords: Stroke, Unaffected limb, Static balance, passive Stretching