The impact of various physiotherapy programs of stroke patients on trunk muscle functional strength and mobility

The problem of the study: Stroke is one of the most frequent and economically detrimental illnesses. It is significant to restore and compensate the affected functions, to strive for patients‘ social and economic independence and to assist in their attempts to return to society.That is why it is essential to optimizme the recovery of functional mobility not only at rehabilitation centres but also at care(nursing) units. . The aim of the study: estimate the impact of various physiotherapy programs of stroke patients on trunk muscle functional strength and mobility. The objectives of the study: 1.To estimate trunk muscle strength, balance at sitting as well as functional movements before physiotherapy and after a 4-week training of trunk functional movements in standing and sitting position. 2.To estimate trunk muscle strength, balance at sitting as well as functional movements before physiotherapy and after a 4-week training of trunk functional movements in lying position. 3.To estimate and compare trunk muscle electric activity after a four-week training of trunk functional movements in sitting, standing and lying positions. 4.To compare changes in muscle function applying the impact of various physiotherapy programs. The hypothesis of the study: It is assumed that trunk muscle functional strength of stroke patients at nursing homes improves faster if trunk functional movements are trained from the beginning in sitting and standing positions rather than in lying position. The methods and organization of the study: the research was done at nursing and health maintaining unit of Garliava hospital in 2007-2008. Stroke patients participated in the study. Patients were divided into two groups: group I (n=15) and group II (n=15). A 4-week physiotherapy course was applied. Trunk function of the investigated in group I was begun to be trained in lying position, while trunk function of the investigated in group II was begun to be trained in sitting and standing positions. Conclusions: 1.After a 4-week training of functional trunk muscle of stroke patients under research in sitting and standing positions trunk muscle strength, balance and functional movements improved (p<0,01). 2.After a 4-week training of functional trunk muscle of stroke patients under research in lying position their trunk muscle strength, balance and funcional movements improved (p< 0,01). 3.After a 4-week training of functional trunk muscle of stroke patients in lying as well as sitting and standing positions their balance in sitting position improved (p < 0,05). 4.Electric muscle activity in the first and second group is higher reaching the target rather than trying to maintain balance in sitting position and is more vivid in extensor trunk muscle rather than in straight abdominal muscle (p