Effect of core stability exercises on symmetrical weight bearing in chronic stroke patients

Background. Stroke is the most common clinical manifestation of diseases which occur motor, sensory, perceptual, or cognitive deficiency and have serious impact on independence, functioning and quality of life of the stroke survivors. Objective. To investigate the effect of core stability exercise on symmetrical weight bearing in chronic stroke patients. Methods. This study involved the recruitment of forty chronic stroke patients, comprising individuals of both genders aged between 50 and 65 years. Data regarding demographics were meticulously collected, and the diagnosis was confirmed by a neurologist. The chosen patients were split into a pair of equal groups at random, the control group (B) and the study group (A). The subjects were assessed by weight scale by standing on one weight scale with both legs to measure the accurate body weight of the patient then put one leg on each weight scale to capture the weight of the affected and non-affected legs. Prior to treatment, the Berg Balance scale was used to evaluate each patient. Further measurements were conducted following the course of treatment. The treatment was done for six weeks, day after day. The study group (A) received core stability exercises and selected program for physical therapy (gentle strengthening exercises for upper limb & lower limb muscles, mobilization for scapula & pelvis, stretching exercises, range of motion exercises and balance exercises). The control group (B) received only the same selected physical therapy program. Results. The comparison among pre-treatment as well as post-treatment within group A revealed a substantial difference for the affected weight limb and non-affected weight limb, respectively, (P = 0.0001* and 0.0001*), and group B showed a significant difference for the affected weight limb and non-affected weight limb, respectively, (P = 0.0001* and 0.0001*). Results from comparing the two groups post treatment revealed no substantial differences (P = 0.622 and 0.183) for the affected weight limb and non-affected weight limb, respectively. Conclusion. Core stability exercises significantly affected symmetrical weight bearing in chronic stroke patients. However, there was no substantial difference among the study group (core stability exercises) and the control group (selected physiotherapy exercises) on symmetrical weight bearing among chronic stroke patients.