EFFECT OF PELVIC AND TRUNK CONTROL EXERCISES ON FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME OF AFFECTED UPPER EXTREMITY IN STROKE PATIENTS

Abstract

Rowida Elsayed, Nahed Salem, Enas Elsayed, Ebtesam Fahmy, Walaa M Ragab, Nouf H Alkhamees* and Rania M. Tawfik

Background: There is evidence that pelvic and trunk control exercises are one of the contributing factors that enhance the upper extremity functional outcome in stroke patients.

Aim: The study aimed to provide an insight into how pelvic and trunk control exercises together impacted the affected upper extremity functional outcomes for stroke patients.

Methods: The study's sample comprised of forty male stroke patients. They were between 45 and 60 years old. The patients were split into two groups equal in number: the control group (GA) received a selected physiotherapy program for thirty minutes, while the study group (GB) received the similar treatment program plus pelvic and trunk control exercises for forty minutes. Both groups received 3 sessions weekly on alternate days for 6 weeks. The Biodex System Pro Isokinetic and Fugel Meyer scale (FMA) were used to measure the functional outcomes of the affected upper extremity.

Results: In contrast to the control group, the post-treatment mean values of the study group of the elbow flexors isometric contraction, isokinetic contraction of elbow flexors and extensors, isometric contraction of shoulder abductors peak torque, and FMA scores all revealed a significant increase (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The impaired upper extremity functional outcomes of stroke patients are significantly impacted by pelvic and trunk control exercises