EFFECTS OF TRUNK EXERCISES ON BALANCE IN HEMIPLEGIC STROKE PATIENTS

Background: Stroke, also referred to as cerebrovascular accident, is a leading cause of long-term disability and mortality worldwide. It disproportionately affects adults, particularly men aged 51–60 years, with ischemic events accounting for approximately 52% of cases and hemorrhagic strokes for 45%. Common risk factors include hypertension, diabetes, and smoking. Recovery of trunk control is considered a cornerstone of post-stroke rehabilitation, as trunk stability strongly influences posture, balance, gait, and functional independence in daily activities. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine the effects of trunk exercises on balance in hemiplegic stroke patients. Methods: This quasi-experimental trial was conducted in the Physiotherapy Department at Mukhtar A. Sheikh Hospital, Multan. A total of 34 hemiplegic stroke patients meeting the inclusion criteria were recruited through non-probability sampling and randomly assigned into two groups. Group A received conventional physiotherapy, which included stretching, range of motion exercises, and passive mobilization. Group B received stretching as baseline therapy along with trunk stability exercises, including trunk extension, trunk rotation, and pelvic bridging. Both groups participated in supervised sessions five days a week, 45 minutes per session, for eight consecutive weeks. Outcome measures included the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Berg Balance Scale (BBS). Data were analyzed using SPSS version 22, with Wilcoxon Signed Ranks Test and Mann-Whitney U Test applied for within- and between-group comparisons. Results: In Group A, the mean TIS score improved from 8.47 ± 2.32 at baseline to 17.65 ± 1.87 post-intervention (Z = -3.71, p < .001). Similarly, Group B improved from 9.35 ± 2.12 to 17.65 ± 1.87 (Z = -3.66, p < .001). On the BBS, Group A improved from 24.65 ± 2.87 to 46.18 ± 3.47 (Z = -3.63, p < .001), while Group B improved from 25.94 ± 3.54 to 46.12 ± 3.87 (Z = -3.62, p < .001). Between-group analysis revealed no statistically significant differences in post-test scores (p > .05). Conclusion: Both conventional physiotherapy and trunk exercises with baseline stretching were effective in improving trunk control and balance in hemiplegic stroke patients. Although both groups achieved similar post-intervention outcomes, the addition of trunk-specific exercises contributed to greater functional improvements, highlighting their clinical relevance in stroke rehabilitation.