Investigating the effect of reaching activities on the upper extremity functions given in the restricted position of the trunk in stroke

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of reaching exercise with the trunk restrained and trunk free position in addition to the neurophysiological approach based physiotherapy program on the upper extremity proximal muscles' function in chronic stroke patients. Twenty patients were included in this randomized single-blind study and divided into two groups as study (5 females, 5 males) and control (3 females, 7 males). In both groups, 40-minute neurophysiological-based exercises were performed for 4 weeks, 5 days a week. In addition, in each session, 20 minutes of reaching activities were performed in the study group in trunk-restricted position and in the control group in trunk-free position. Before the treatment, muscle strength was evaluated with isometric dynamometer, motor functions with Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale, daily life activities with Functional Independence Measurement and quality of life with Stroke Specific Quality of Life Scale for the individuals in both groups. At the end of 4 weeks of treatment, all measurements were repeated in both groups. According to our results; muscle strength, active range of motion, daily living activities, motor functions and quality of life parameters improved in both groups (p <0.05). However, no statistically significant difference was found between the two groups after treatment. In the light of these findings, it was concluded that the reaching activities in trunk-restricted or trunk-free position added to the physiotherapy programs could provide positive effects on muscle strength, active joint mobility, daily living activities, motor functions and quality of life.