Core Stability Exercises Yield Multiple Benefits for Patients With Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Rehabilitation Medicine
• Physical Therapy

Background:

• Chronic stroke often leads to impaired trunk control, reduced core strength, and balance deficits.
• These impairments significantly impact functional mobility and quality of life in stroke survivors.
• Standard physiotherapy may not fully address these specific functional limitations.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the efficacy of core stability exercises in improving trunk control, core muscle strength, standing weight-bearing symmetry, and balance confidence in individuals with chronic stroke.
• To compare the effects of core stability exercises performed on stable versus unstable surfaces.
• To evaluate the long-term effects of these interventions.

Main Methods:

• An assessor-blinded randomized controlled trial was conducted with 84 ambulatory patients diagnosed with middle cerebral artery stroke.
• Participants were allocated to three groups: core stability exercises on stable surfaces, core stability exercises on unstable surfaces, or standard physiotherapy.
• Training sessions occurred thrice weekly for 6 weeks, with outcome measures assessed at baseline, post-training, and 12-month follow-up.

Main Results:

• Both core stability exercise groups showed significant improvements across all outcome measures (trunk control, core strength, weight-bearing symmetry, balance confidence) from baseline to post-training and at 12-month follow-up (P < 0.001).
• No significant differences were found between the two core stability exercise groups (stable vs. unstable surfaces) for any measure (P > 0.05).
• Both experimental groups demonstrated superior outcomes compared to the standard physiotherapy control group.

Conclusions:

• Core stability exercises, whether on stable or unstable surfaces, are equally effective in enhancing trunk control, core muscle strength, standing weight-bearing symmetry, and balance confidence in ambulatory chronic stroke patients.
• These exercises offer a more beneficial approach than standard physiotherapy for improving these specific functional outcomes.
• The positive effects of core stability training are sustained at 12 months post-intervention.