The Effect Of Multifidus And Transversus Abdominis Muscle Activation On Balance In Hemiplegic Patients

Overview

Patients with post-stroke hemiplegia may develop balance disorder and limitation in ambulation ability due to multiple mechanisms. The effects of core muscles on maintaining normal posture, balance and ambulation ability are known. The positive effects of core stabilisation exercises on balance in hemiplegic patients have been shown in previous studies. In this study, we planned to investigate the effects of bilateral transversus abdominis and bilateral lumbar multifidus muscles on balance in patients with stroke-related hemiplegia.

Loss of function in the trunk muscles of stroke patients leads to both balance problems and excessive effort to maintain balance. While ambulation ability of some patients is completely lost due to stroke, in others, impaired balance and increased postural oscillation lead to fear of falling and increased risk of falling. In previous studies, it has been shown that there is a significant relationship between static balance and duration of hospital stay and functional abilities after stroke. In another study, it was shown that the control ability of the trunk muscles in the early post-stroke period was a strong factor affecting general life activities in the first six months after stroke. Trunk muscles are innervated by both hemispheres unlike the extremities. Therefore, unilateral stroke may impair the function of trunk muscles on both the contralateral and ipsilateral sides. Several studies have shown dysfunction of bilateral trunk flexor, extensor and rotator muscles in patients with unilateral stroke. Many studies have proven that core stabilisation exercises are effective on both balance and gait function and general life activities in hemiplegic patients. The aim of this cross-sectional study was to investigate the effect of ultrasound-guided bilateral transversus abdominis and bilateral lumbar multifidus muscle activations on balance in hemiplegic patients.

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