Correlations among trunk impairment, functional performance, and muscle activity during forward reaching tasks in patients with chronic stroke.
[Purpose] This study aimed to investigate the relationships among trunk impairment, functional performance, and muscle activity during forward reaching tasks in patients with chronic stroke. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty-three chronic stroke patients participated in this study. Trunk impairment and functional performance were evaluated using the Trunk Impairment Scale, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, and 10-Meter Walk Test. All subjects were asked to perform 3 different forward reaching tasks (affected side reaching, forward reaching, and less-affected side reaching), and measurements were taken during these 3 tasks by using surface electromyography. Correlation analyses were performed to assess the relationships among trunk impairment, functional performance, and muscle activity during the forward reaching tasks. [Results] Spearman's correlation analysis revealed a strong, significant correlation between the Trunk Impairment Scale and functional performance, that was associated with balance and gait ability. During the 3 different forward reaching tasks, muscle activities of the less-affected lower extremity were significantly correlated with functional performance. [Conclusion] This study revealed the correlations among trunk impairment, functional performance, and muscle activity during forward reaching tasks in patients with chronic stroke and emphasized the importance of trunk rehabilitation.
Department of Physical Therapy, The Graduate School, Sahmyook University, Republic of Korea.
Jung-Hyun
JH
Kim
Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, Republic of Korea.
Suk-Min
SM
Lee
Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University, Republic of Korea.
Seo-Hyun
SH
Jeon
Electromyography; Postural balance; Stroke