Abstract:
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is a destructive damage to the spinal cord that affect the motor and sensory functions as well as frequently representing itself as a long-term medical condition that require a sophisticated management and rehabilitation plan. Purpose: The aim of this study is to determine the effectiveness of core stability exercises in functional improvement of SCI patients. Objective: To explore the effectiveness of core stability exercises in functional improvement of SCI patients, that will include self-care, respiratory and sphincter management, and mobility (room and toilet). Methodology: The study was a Quasi Experimental study design that measured pre-test and post-test results. 28 patients were allocated based on inclusion criteria. The age range was 18-78 years. The participants received daily sessions for 5 days/week for 4 weeks. American Spinal Injury Association (ASIA) Impairment Scale was used to measure the SCI level. Spinal Cord Impairment Measure version 3 (SCIM-3) was used to measure the functional independence of SCI patients, that has three sub-scales including self-care, respiratory and sphincter management, and mobility (room and toilet). Results: The pre and post test results of 28 participants were measured using Wilcoxon Signed ranked test. The test reveals that the total functional independence score statistically improved (p<0.05) after receiving the intervention. Self-care and mobility (room and toilet) score improved (p<0.05) significantly but respiration and sphincter management function did not show a significant difference (p=0.205) when analyzed respectively. Conclusion: The study showed that core stability exercises improve functional independence in patients with an incomplete SCI. Among the measured functional activities, self-care, and mobility (room and toilet) activities were improved but respiratory and sphincter activities did not improve after the intervention.
Keywords: Spinal cord injury, functional independence, core stability exercises
Description:
This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
