This randomized controlled trial aims to compare the effects of task-oriented gait training and core stabilization exercises on mobility, balance, and gait in 54 stroke patients (aged 45-75 years, 6 months to 2 years post-ischemic stroke). Participants with left hemiplegia and MMSE ≥24 will be randomly assigned to either intervention for 8 weeks (3 sessions/week). Outcome measures include the 6-Minute Walk Test, Berg Balance Scale, GAIT, Timed Up and Go Test, and a Patient Satisfaction Survey. Data will be analyzed using SPSS version 25 to determine intervention effectiveness.
Stroke is defined as a medical emergency that occurs when blood flow to a part of the brain is interrupted or reduced, preventing brain tissue from receiving essential oxygen and nutrients. This interruption can result from either a blockage (ischemic stroke) or the rupture of a blood vessel (hemorrhagic stroke). The immediate effects of a stroke can lead to significant motor impairments, long-term disability, and profound impacts on mobility, gait, and balance, posing substantial challenges to rehabilitation and overall quality of life. Effective rehabilitation strategies, such as task-oriented gait training and core stabilization exercises, are crucial for improving functional outcomes in stroke patients. Task-oriented gait training emphasizes specific walking tasks to enhance functional mobility, while core stabilization exercises aim to strengthen trunk muscles, thereby improving balance. This randomized controlled trial (RCT) will involve 54 stroke patients aged 45 to 75 years, determined through OpenEpi, Version 3 sample size calculations. Eligible participants will include individuals who are 6 months to 2 years post-ischemic stroke, have left hemiplegia, possess a Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score of 24 or higher, are able to ambulate independently, and can provide informed consent. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of two groups: Group A will receive task-oriented gait training, while Group B will engage in core stabilization exercises, both administered over an 8-week period with three sessions per week. Outcome measures will include the 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) for assessing functional mobility and endurance, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for evaluating balance and fall risk, the Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool (GAIT) for gait evaluation, and the Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) for mobility assessment and Patient Satisfaction Survey. Pre- and post-intervention data will be systematically collected to analyze the relative effectiveness of these interventions in post-stroke rehabilitation. Data will be analyzed by SPSS version 25.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
54
It focuses on enhancing functional mobility through real-life walking and movement tasks. The program includes five key exercises: walking practice on flat and uneven surfaces with variations in stride length, speed, and direction; reaching and grasping objects of different sizes and weights from sitting and standing positions; sit-to-stand transitions with minimal arm support; stair navigation with handrail assistance; and object manipulation at varying heights and distances. Each session is conducted three times per week for eight weeks, emphasizing repetition and progression to simulate daily functional activities.
It targets the improvement of balance and postural control through strengthening of trunk muscles. Participants will perform four core-focused exercises: bridging to activate glutes and lower back muscles, pelvic tilts to improve pelvic control and lumbar alignment, side planks for lateral trunk stability, and quadruped (bird-dog) movements to challenge dynamic balance. Exercises are performed in sets with specific repetitions or hold times, progressively increasing in difficulty. The sessions are delivered three times per week for eight weeks to enhance core strength and overall stability in stroke patients.
Sialkot Medical Complex
Sialkot, Punjab Province, Pakistan
6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT)
The 6-Minute Walk Test (6MWT) assesses functional mobility and endurance by measuring walking distance in six minutes, with high reliability in stroke patients (ICC \> 0.90).
Time frame: 4 weeks
Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) evaluates static and dynamic balance across 14 tasks, serving as a gold standard for fall risk assessment with excellent reliability (ICC = 0.97-0.98).
Time frame: 4 weeks
Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool (GAIT)
The Gait Assessment and Intervention Tool (GAIT) identifies gait abnormalities such as asymmetry and reduced speed, providing targeted insights for gait rehabilitation (ICC = 0.92).
Time frame: 4 weeks
Timed Up and Go Test (TUG)
The Timed Up and Go Test (TUG) measures functional mobility and fall risk by timing transitional movements, showing strong reliability (ICC = 0.95).
Time frame: 4 weeks
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