“Exploring the Efficacy of Plinth Trunk Exercise and Physio Ball on Functional Balance and Trunk Control among Stroke Patients”

Abstract

Background: A stroke not only affects the leg muscles but also the muscles in the trunk and the abdominal wall. After a stroke, hemiplegia causes motor paralysis of the limb muscles, which only affects one side of the body, in contrast to the trunk muscles, which are impaired on both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides of the body to the side of the body that was affected by the lesion. Objective: To evaluating the effects of physio ball and plinth trunk exercise for trunk control and functional balance in patients with stroke. Methods: The design of this investigation was a randomised control trial with assessor blinded. Neurology and Stroke Rehab Unit of CRP was the location where the study was carried out (Savar Centre). Both the control group and the experimental group each had 30 patients with stroke who matched the inclusion criteria. These patients were randomly assigned (1:1 ratio) in these groups. Each group received a total of twelve therapy sessions, each lasting forty-five minutes and taking place over the course of three weeks. Analysis of data: SPSS version 25 was used for data analysis. Inferential statistics- nonparametric statistics such as Mann-Whitney U test, Wilcoxon test were used for data was analysis. Results: After treatment, both the groups showed significant improvement (p<0.05) but the plinth trunk exercise on physio ball exercise group improved more significantly (p<0.05) than the standard physiotherapy exercise group in terms of trunk control and functional balance (sit to stand and transfer). Conclusion: Plinth trunk exercise on physio ball program was proven to be more effective with standard physiotherapy treatment in trunk control and functional balance (sit to stand and transfer) of patients with stroke. Key Words: Stroke, Physio Ball, Plinth Trunk Exercise, Trunk Control and Functional Balance.