A COMPARATIVE STUDY ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF EXTERNAL OBLIQUE MUSCLE STRENGTHENING ON POSTURE IN PATIENTS WITH STROKE

This study investigates the effectiveness of external oblique muscle strengthening exercises on improving posture in stroke patients. A randomized controlled trial (RCT) design was used, involving 30 participants with chronic hemiparetic stroke (aged 40-75). Participants were randomly assigned to either an intervention group (n=15) or a control group (n=15). The intervention group underwent a six-week, structured rehabilitation program focused on external oblique strengthening exercises, which included resistance training, trunk rotation exercises, and stability drills aimed at enhancing muscle activation and endurance. The control group participated in standard rehabilitation practices, which primarily focused on improving general mobility, stretching, and balance training. Posture was evaluated using a combination of objective and subjective measures, including the Postural Control Assessment (PCA), and the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS). The results revealed statistically significant improvements in the intervention group compared to the control group. The intervention group demonstrated greater improvements in trunk alignment, including a reduction in lateral flexion and an increase in the ability to maintain an erect posture during standing and dynamic tasks. Additionally, the external oblique strengthening regimen was associated with enhanced postural stability, as evidenced by higher scores on the Postural Control Assessment and the Trunk Impairment Scale. Keywords: Stroke, External Oblique Muscle, Posture, Trunk Stability, Rehabilitation, Muscle Strengthening, Postural Control.