Effects of sling exercise therapy on trunk muscle activation and balance in chronic hemiplegic patients.

Content Provider	Europe PMC
Author	Lee, Jin Soo Lee, Hong Gyun
Copyright Year	2014
Abstract	Weakening of trunk muscles in stroke patients hinders functional ability, safety andbalance. To confirm whether strengthening trunk muscles could facilitate rehabilitation ofstroke patients, we investigated the effectiveness of sling exercise therapy (SET) usingclosed kinetic chain exercises to activate trunk muscles and improve balance in strokepatients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty stroke patients with chronic hemiplegia wereequally divided into 2 groups, a SET group and a control group that performed regularexercises on a mat with the assistance of a table. Patients in both groups exercised for30 min, three times per week for 4 weeks. Trunk muscle activity was measured using surfaceelectromyography, whereas balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale, Frailty andInjuries Cooperative Studies of Intervention Technique, Timed Up & Go test, andBioRescue before and after the 4-week experimental period. [Results] Trunk muscle activityand balance before and after intervention in both groups were significantly different.However, no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups. [Conclusion]Although SET was not more effective than regular exercise, significant improvement wasobserved before and after SET. Therefore, SET can be considered effective in strengtheningtrunk muscles in stroke patients with chronic hemiplegia.
ISSN	09155287
Volume Number	26
PubMed Central reference number	PMC4047226
Issue Number	5
PubMed reference number	24926126
Journal	Journal of Physical Therapy Science [J Phys Ther Sci]
e-ISSN	21875626
DOI	10.1589/jpts.26.655
Language	English
Publisher	The Society of Physical Therapy Science
Publisher Date	2014-05-29
Access Restriction	Open
Rights License	This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the CreativeCommons Attribution Non-Commercial No Derivatives (by-nc-nd) License. 2014©by the Society of Physical Therapy Science
Subject Keyword	Chronic stroke patients Sling exercise therapy Trunk muscles
Content Type	Text
Resource Type	Article
Subject	Physical Therapy, Sports Therapy and Rehabilitation