The Effect of Scapular Exercises in Patients With Stroke

Study Overview
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Brief Summary
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There is a paucity of research on the correlation between postural control and upper extremity function. Analyzing the mechanisms of postural deficits and related problems is believed to give idea for any conceivable advance in future rehabilitation strategies in patients with stroke. The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of scapular exercises on the scapular stability and trunk control. We hypothesized that scapular exercises correct the scapular position and improve postural control. Hence the reaching out movement can be applied in a controlled and fluent manner at the end of the treatment.

Official Title
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The Effect of Scapular Exercises on Trunk Control in Patients With Stroke: A Double-blind Randomized Study

Conditions
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Stroke, Acute

Intervention / Treatment
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* Other: Bobath Approach
* Other: Isometric scapular exercises


Participation Criteria
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Eligibility Criteria
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Inclusion Criteria: Diagnosed as acute stroke, being able to sit without support, presence of hemiparesis, clinical stability Exclusion Criteria: Shoulder joint dysfunction due to previous musculoskeletal disease, severe dementia, severe visual disturbances that could not be corrected with glasses, severe aphasia, scored ≥ 3 on the Modified Ashworth Scale and refused to participate

Ages Eligible for Study
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Minimum Age: 50 Years
Maximum Age: 85 Years

Sexes Eligible for Study
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All

Accepts Healthy Volunteers
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No

Study Plan
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How is the study designed?
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Design Details

Primary Purpose: Treatment
Allocation: Randomized
Intervention Model: Parallel Assignment
Masking: Triple


Arms and Interventions

| Participant Group/Arm | Intervention/Treatment |
| --- | --- |
| Experimental: Control<br> | Other: Bobath Approach<br>* The patients in both groups were treated with the exercise program according to the Bobath concept was planned taking the functional needs of the survivors into account, including stretching and facilitation of latissimus dorsi muscle, facilitation of abdominal muscles, placing exercises, training of lumbar spine stabilizers, functional reach of shoulder in different directions. Five sessions of about an hour each were provided to the patients<br>|
| Active Comparator: Study<br> | Other: Bobath Approach<br>* The patients in both groups were treated with the exercise program according to the Bobath concept was planned taking the functional needs of the survivors into account, including stretching and facilitation of latissimus dorsi muscle, facilitation of abdominal muscles, placing exercises, training of lumbar spine stabilizers, functional reach of shoulder in different directions. Five sessions of about an hour each were provided to the patients<br>Other: Isometric scapular exercises<br>* Isometric scapular exercises were performed to the patients included to the study group in a sitting position and at 900 of the shoulder flexion and 900 of the shoulder abduction. The patients were exercised by a physiotherapist using isometric contraction in protraction and retraction by a physiotherapist. Isometric contractions lasted 5 seconds and each exercise was repeated 2x15 times. One minute rest period was given between sets<br>|

What is the study measuring?
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Primary Outcome Measures

| Outcome Measure | Measure Description | Time Frame |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Scapular mobility | Distance between medial border of scapula and columna vertebralis | 12 months | 
| Trunk Impairment Scale | postural control ability of the trunk | 12 months | 
| Trunk Control Test | Trunk Control | 12 months | 
| Modified Barthel Index | evaluate the level of disability during daily life activities | 12 months | 
| Reaching Performance Test | Reaching Performance | 12 months |