Physiotherapy exercises to improve trunk control in people who have suffered a stroke

ISRCTN ISRCTN11355957
DOI https://doi.org/10.1186/ISRCTN11355957
Submission date
02/06/2020
Registration date
10/06/2020
Last edited
03/07/2020
Recruitment status
No longer recruiting
Overall study status
Completed
Condition category
Nervous System Diseases
Prospectively registered
Protocol
Statistical analysis plan
Results
Individual participant data
Record updated in last year

Plain English Summary

Background and study aims
A stroke is a serious life-threatening medical condition that happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is cut off. This can cause paralysis (being unable to move) other problems with movement in part of the body. Often one side of the body is affected and this can lead to problems with balance and coordination.
The trunk has a vital role in holding the body upright and providing a stable foundation for the arms and legs to move. Previous research has shown that strength and control of trunk movement is linked to better recovery of movement after a stroke. Trunk control can be improved by physiotherapy. This study aims to compare two new physiotherapy methods with conventional physiotherapy.

Who can participate?
Men and women aged 40-60 years who have had their first stroke 3-6 months previously.

What does the study involve?
The participants will be randomly allocated to one of three groups. All participants will receive 6 weeks of physiotherapy, with 5 sessions each week. The type of physiotherapy they receive will depend on their group. Before and after the physiotherapy course, the participants will have their trunk control, arm and leg function, general mobility and quality of life assessed by a healthcare profession who is not involved in the study.

What are the possible benefits and risks of participating?
All participants are expected to benefit from the physiotherapy in terms of their strength, mobility and endurance. There is a risk that they might find the physiotherapy uncomfortable or tiring. Any problems will be assessed and managed immediately by expert medical professionals

Where is the study run from?
King Khalid University (Saudi Arabia)

When is the study starting and how long is it expected to run for?
January 2020 to June 2021

Who is funding the study?
Investigator initiated and funded

Who is the main contact?
Kumar Gular, kmeny@kku.edu.sa

Contact information

Mr Kumar Gular
Scientific

C/3/108, Department of medical rehabilitation
College of applied medical sciences
King Khalid University
Guraiger
Abha
62217
Saudi Arabia

ORCiD logoORCID ID 0000-0001-7641-2704
Phone +966 531138703
Email kmeny@kku.edu.sa

Study information

Study designConvenience sampling three-group randomized controlled trial
Primary study designInterventional
Secondary study designRandomised controlled trial
Study setting(s)Other
Study typeTreatment
Participant information sheet ISRCTN11355957_PIS_08Jun2020.pdf
Scientific titleComparison of Bobath/NDT and proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques on trunk control in a late subacute stroke population: A randomized controlled trial
Study hypothesis1. There is no significant difference between NDT, PNF, and control group in improving trunk control, function, balance, and quality of life
2. There is no association of trunk control with upper extremity functions and quality of life
Ethics approval(s)Approved 26/02/2020, King Khalid University Research Ethics Committee (Guraiger, Abha 622217, Saudi Arabia; +966 17 2418667; ecm@kku.edu.sa), ref: ECM#2020-174, HAPO-06-B-001
ConditionNeuromuscular rehabilitation during late subacute stroke
InterventionSubjects will be randomly allocated into three groups by block randomization method. Each block will be having nine subjects with six blocks. Pretesting will be done by an independent evaluator who is not involved with the subject treatment for all the primary and secondary outcome measures. After the evaluation, the subjects will be provided treatment as per their group protocol.

Group 1: Bobath/NDT group
In this group, the total intervention will be for 1 h. It includes 30 min of NDT/Bobath based trunk-based exercises based on functional limitation and capability of the individual patient. The therapist will strictly follow the fundamental principles of the Bobath/NDT method in encouraging active participation of the patient, focusing on functional movements, repetitions, and isometric contractions in inner-range positions if the movement is difficult.
Assistance followed by resistance
• Stretching and functional strengthening of latissimus dorsi muscle.
• Functional strengthening of abdominal and oblique abdominal muscles (supine lying, side-lying, and sitting)
• Placing exercises in order to facilitate trunk rotations and counter-rotations (right and left) of the hips with the trunk extended (supine lying, side-lying and sitting)
• Training of lumbar spine stabilizers
• Functional reach of the shoulder, anterior, right, and left sides

Group2: Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) group
In this group, the total intervention will be for 1 h. It includes 30 min trunk-targeted PNF. The PNF exercises were based on functional limitations and the capability of individual patients. The therapist will strictly follow the fundamental principles of the PNF method like manual contact, body position and body mechanics, verbal commands, vision, traction/approximation, stretch, timing, and repetitions. Trunk chopping and lifting patterns, bilateral lower limb/upper limb patterns, combined scapular, and pelvic patterns will be used to facilitate trunk. These exercises will be done in different positions like supine, side-lying, prone, sitting, and standing based on patient capabilities. Techniques of PNF are incorporated based on patient requirement but stabilizing reversals/rhythmic stabilization are mandatory techniques.

Group 3: Conventional Physical Therapy group
In this group, the total intervention will be for 90 min. Muscle elongation exercises for tight muscles, strengthening exercises for weak muscles, mat activities like bridging, rolling and sitting, weight-bearing and shifting in sitting and standing, range of motion exercises, and gait training activities.
Intervention typeOther
Primary outcome measure1. Trunk performance assessed using the Trunk Impairment Scale at baseline and 6 weeks
2. Upper limb and lower limb motor function assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment of Motor Recovery after stroke (FMA) at baseline and 6 weeks
3. Mobility assessed using the TUG (Timed Up and Go) test at baseline and 6 weeks
Secondary outcome measures1. Health-related uality of life assessed using the Stroke Specific Quality of Life scale at baseline and 6 weeks
Overall study start date25/01/2020
Overall study end date25/06/2021

Eligibility

Participant type(s)Patient
Age groupAdult
SexBoth
Target number of participants54
Participant inclusion criteria1. First-time stroke
2. Late sub-acute stroke (3-6 months)
3. Aged 40-60 years
4. Subjects able to follow commands
5. Subjects scoring less than 21 in trunk impairment scale
6. Otherwise apparently healthy
Participant exclusion criteriaDoes not meet inclusion criteria
Recruitment start date01/07/2020
Recruitment end date30/07/2021

Locations

Countries of recruitment

  • Saudi Arabia

Study participating centre

King Khalid University
King Khalid physiotherapy clinic
Department of medical rehabilitation
Guraiger
Abha
62529
Saudi Arabia

Sponsor information

King Khalid University
University/education

Guraiger
Abhā
62217
Saudi Arabia

Phone +966 531138703
Email ecm@kku.edu.sa
Website http://www.kku.edu.sa/
ROR logo "ROR" https://ror.org/052kwzs30

Funders

Funder type

Other

Investigator initiated and funded

No information available

Results and Publications

Intention to publish date30/07/2021
Individual participant data (IPD) Intention to shareNo
IPD sharing plan summaryData sharing statement to be made available at a later date
Publication and dissemination planWe intend to publish a pilot study and a review on the effects of various techniques on trunk control and functions before disseminating and publishing the results of clinical trial.
IPD sharing planThe data sharing plans for the current study are unknown and will be made available at a later date.

Study outputs

Output type Details Date created Date added Peer reviewed? Patient-facing?
Participant information sheet 08/06/2020 03/07/2020 No Yes

Additional files

ISRCTN11355957_PIS_08Jun2020.pdf
Uploaded 03/07/2020

Editorial Notes

RP 03/07/2020: The participant information sheet has been uploaded.
08/06/2020: Trial's existence confirmed by King Khalid University Research Ethics Committee.