Investigation of the effects of core stabilization exercises on respiratory functions, functional capacity, trunk control and balance in individuals with stroke

Our study aimed to investigate the effects of core stabilization training, applied in addition to conventional physiotherapy, on respiratory functions, functional capacity, trunk control, and balance in individuals with stroke. In the study, 24 individuals diagnosed with cerebrovascular events (CVO) were randomized into two groups: core stabilization exercise group (CSE, n=12) and conventional physiotherapy group (KF, n=12). Respiratory function test (RFT), chest circumference measurement, 2-minute walk test (2 MWT), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), were administered to the participants. Both groups received conventional physiotherapy three times a week, guided by a physiotherapist, for six weeks. In addition to conventional physiotherapy, the CSE group also underwent core stabilization exercises three times a week for six weeks. At the end of the treatment, statistically significant improvements were observed in respiratory parameters, trunk control, functional capacity, chest mobility and dynamic balance in the CSE group compared to pre-treatment. In the KF group, significant improvements were seen in trunk control, functional capacity, some chest mobility measurements (axillary, subcostal chest circumference measurements) and dynamic balance. In the comparison of groups, significant improvements were observed in the CSE group for FEV1 (p=0.013), FEV1% (p=0.040), PEF (p=0.027), PEF% (p=0.018), FEV1/FVC% (0.046), Trunk Impairment Scale static (p=0.024) and dynamic sitting balance (p=0.007), coordination (p<0.0001), total (p<0.0001) scores, TUG (p=0.0025), and 2 MWT (p=0.000). Our study showed that core stabilization exercises in addition to conventional physiotherapy is beneficial for respiratory functions, functional capacity, trunk control, and dynamic balance in individuals with stroke.