Effects of Serratus Anterior and Lower Trapezius Strengthening Exercises on Trunk Control and Cop of Chronic Stroke Patients

Purpose: This study examined whether strengthening of the serratus anterior and lower trapezius improves trunk control and static balance in individuals with chronic stroke.Methods: Twenty adults with chronic stroke were allocated randomly to an experimental or a control group.Both groups received conventional rehabilitation (five times/week for six weeks).The experimental group also performed targeted scapular strengthening (three times/week for 30 minutes) for six weeks.Trunk control was assessed using the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS).The static balance was quantified using Center-of-Pressure (COP) sway measures (path length (PL) and the mean velocity (VA)) using a Wii Balance Board system.Data analysis compared the pre-and post-intervention values within each group and between the two groups (p< 0.05). Results:The experimental group showed significant within-group improvements in the TIS and significant reductions in the COP sway (lower PL and VA) when comparing the post-to pre-intervention values (all p< 0.05), whereas the control group showed no significant changes.Comparisons of the pre-to-post changes showed greater improvements in trunk control and static balance in the experimental group, favoring it over the control group (p< 0.05). Conclusion:The six-week program of serratus anterior and lower trapezius strengthening, added to usual rehabilitation, helped improve trunk control and reduce COP fluctuations in chronic stroke.These findings support targeted scapular stabilization as a feasible adjunct to enhance postural control after stroke, but confirmation in larger trials is warranted.