Effects of Fixing Flexi-bar Training on Motor Function for Patients with Stroke at Recovery Stage / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

Objective:To investigate the effects of fixing Flexi-bar training on motor function in chronic stroke patients. Methods:From October, 2018 to June, 2019, 45 chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia were randomly divided into control group (n = 23) and Flexi-bar group (n = 22). All the patients received routine rehabilitation treatment for four weeks, while the Flexi-bar group received fixing Flexi-bar training with hanging in addition. They were assessed with Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS), Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) for motor and balance and modified Barthel index (MBI) before and after treatment, while the root mean square (RMS) of surface electromyography of rectus abdominis, external oblique muscle, internal oblique muscle and erector spinae of affected side were measured. Results:There were two cases lost in the Flexi-bar group. The scores of PASS, FMA for balance and MBI increased in both groups after treatment (|t| > 2.750, P < 0.05), and increased more in the Flexi-bar group than in the control group (|t| > 3.449, P < 0.05), except the score of FMA for motor. The RMS of all the muscles increased in both groups after treatment (|t| > 2.156, P < 0.05), and increased more in the Flexi-bar group than in the control group (|t| > 2.368, P < 0.05). Conclusion:Fixing Flexi-bar training could promote the recorvery of activities of trunk muscles in chronic stroke patients, to improve postural control and balance.