Effects of Sling Exercise Therapy on Trunk Muscle Activation and Balance in Chronic Hemiplegic Patients

Weakening of trunk muscles in stroke patients hinders functional ability, safety andbalance. To confirm whether strengthening trunk muscles could facilitate rehabilitation ofstroke patients, we investigated the effectiveness of sling exercise therapy (SET) usingclosed kinetic chain exercises to activate trunk muscles and improve balance in strokepatients. [Subjects and Methods] Twenty stroke patients with chronic hemiplegia wereequally divided into 2 groups, a SET group and a control group that performed regularexercises on a mat with the assistance of a table. Patients in both groups exercised for30 min, three times per week for 4 weeks. Trunk muscle activity was measured using surfaceelectromyography, whereas balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale, Frailty andInjuries Cooperative Studies of Intervention Technique, Timed Up & Go test, andBioRescue before and after the 4-week experimental period. [Results] Trunk muscle activityand balance before and after intervention in both groups were significantly different.However, no significant differences were observed between the 2 groups. [Conclusion]Although SET was not more effective than regular exercise, significant improvement wasobserved before and after SET. Therefore, SET can be considered effective in strengtheningtrunk muscles in stroke patients with chronic hemiplegia.Key words: Chronic stroke patients, Sling exercise therapy, Trunk muscles