Effect of lower limb resistance exercise with abdominal draw-in on stroke survivors: A pilot study

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based guidelines are needed to inform rehabilitation practice including the effect of non-paralytic lower limb resistance exercise with abdominal drawing-in technique (ADIM) on recovery of trunk control, balance and daily living after stroke survivors. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of trunk control strengthening performed in non-paralytic lower limb resistance exercise with ADIM on trunk control, balance, daily living in stroke survivors. METHODS: The 24 participants with stroke were randomly divided into three groups: lower limb resistance exercise group (LRAG; n = 8), lower limb exercise group (LAG; n = 8), and control group (CG; n = 8). The training sessions were conducted three times a week for four weeks. Outcome measures included the Korean version Trunk Impairment Scale (K-TIS), Postural Assessment Scale of Stroke (PASS), Modified Functional Reach Test (mFRT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Foot print and Modified Barthel’s Index (MBI). RESULTS: The results showed that the LRAG had a significant effect on the K-TIS, PASS, mFRT, Foot print and MBI than the LAG and CG (p < 0.05). The BBS results showed a significant difference the CG (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: This study showed that repeated non-paralytic lower limb resistance exercises with ADIM can be used clinically as a training method for general physiotherapy in patients with reduced postural control, balance and daily living.