Effects of Reformer-based Trunk Stability Exercise on Trunk Control, Balance, and Gait Parameters in Patients with Chronic Stroke

BackgroundStroke patients experienced a decline in balance and gait abilities due to impaired trunk control. Previous studies showed that Reformer exercises were effective in improving trunk control.ObjectiveThis study aimed to investigate the effects of Reformer-based trunk stability exercises on trunk control, balance, and gait abilities in patients with chronic stroke.MethodsThis study utilized a randomized controlled trial design. Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental group (Reformer-based trunk stability exercises, <i>n</i> = 12) or a control group (conventional trunk stability exercises, <i>n</i> = 12). The intervention consisted of 20-min sessions conducted five times a week for four weeks. Trunk control, balance, and gait parameters were evaluated before and after the intervention, and the data were analyzed using a two-way repeated measures ANOVA.ResultsStatistical analysis demonstrated a significant interaction effect between group and time for most variables, with within-group comparisons showing significant differences before and after the intervention for the majority of variables in both groups. Additionally, effect size analysis indicated large effect sizes (Cohen's <i>d</i> > 0.8) for most variables.ConclusionsReformer-based trunk stability exercises showed positive effects on trunk control, balance, and gait parameters in patients with chronic stroke.