Trunk Stabilization Exercises Affect the Activity of the Upper Limb
Condition: Stroke
MeSH terms: Stroke
Study type: Interventional

Summary: 
      The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of trunk stabilization exercises on
      coordinated movement of the affected upper limb in patients after stroke, using the
      Armoe®Spring device and the "wall" and "abacus" functional tests. The study group had
      physiotherapy based on the NDT Bobath concept and the control group used classic exercises.
    

Detailed description: 
      Almost half of the stroke patients report impaired function of the upper limb and hand.
      Stability of the trunk is required for the proper movement of the body, including the legs
      and arms. The aim of the study was to analyze the effect of trunk stabilization exercises on
      coordinated movement of the affected upper limb in patients after stroke, using the
      Armoe®Spring device and the "wall" and "abacus" functional tests. Material and method: this
      is a randomized, double-blinded study. The research was carried out in the Rehabilitation
      Clinic on a group of 60 stroke patients who were randomly assigned to groups differing in the
      rehabilitation program. The study group had physiotherapy based on the NDT Bobath concept and
      the control group used classic exercises. The importance of the trunk for upper limb
      coordination was assessed on the Armeo®Spring device using three evaluation programs:
      "perpendicular hunting"; "horizontal hunting"; "reaction time" and two proprietary tests:
      "wall" and "abacus".
    

Intervention name(s): NDT Bobath therapy; The classic exercises.
Intervention type(s): Other; Other
Intervention description(s): Their physiotherapy was based on exercises that heavily employed the core muscles to equalize tension and strength, according to the NDT Bobath concept. The duration of the treatment session for each patient in both groups was 120 minutes.; They underwent classical neurological rehabilitation. such as passive exercises, but also an approximation. In addition, the patients performed self-assisted exercises on a manual rotor, and in order to relieve the directly affected limb, the patients exercised in a suspension system. As the physiotherapy progressed, the patients performed active exercises, and then active exercises with resistance, e.g. using the Thera Band. Patients also exercised their balance with the use of large gymnastic balls or sensor pads. A large part of the physiotherapy was locomotion training and gait re-education.
The duration of the treatment session for each patient in both groups was 120 minutes.
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention model: Parallel Assignment
Intervention model description: The trial was a randomized, double-blinded study, 10 days duration. The patients were divided into two groups: study and control and were subjected to different therapies (independent variables). The study group consisted of 30 people. Their physiotherapy was based on exercises that heavily employed the core muscles to equalize tension and strength, according to the NDT Bobath concept. The control group also consisted of 30 patients. They underwent classical neurological rehabilitation. All patients were examined twice. The first time after admission to the Rehabilitation Clinic, and the second time after 10 days of therapy. Assessment games were used for the study, which is the software of the Armeo®Spring device and proprietary tests, "wall" and "abacus" (dependent variables).
Masking: Double (Participant, Care Provider)
Primary purpose: Treatment
Keywords: Armeo®Spring device,; ischemic stroke,; upper limb,; motor coordination,; trunk stabilization exercises,; NDT Bobath concept