Effects of Trunk Stabilization Exercise While Wearing a Pelvic Compression Belt on Walking and Balancing Abilities in Patients With Stroke: An Assessor Blinded, Preliminary, Randomized, Controlled Study.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of wearing a pelvic compression belt during trunk stability exercise on balance and gait ability in patients with stroke.

DESIGN

Thirty-six patients with stroke participated and were randomly allocated to three groups: the paretic group (trunk stability exercise wearing a pelvic belt on the paretic side), the nonparetic group (trunk stability exercise wearing a pelvic belt on the nonparetic side), or the control group (trunk stability exercise without a pelvic belt). Walking and balancing abilities were assessed before and after trunk stabilization exercise.

RESULTS

Significantly larger gains were identified in the paretic group than in the control group for all variables (P < 0.017). In addition, significantly larger gains were observed in the paretic group than in the nonparetic group (P < 0.017) (limit of stability, 15.6%; stance phase of paretic side, 4.1%; 10-m walking test, -10.1%; 6-min walking test, 4.6%).

CONCLUSION

Wearing a pelvic belt on the paretic side during trunk stabilization exercise seems to be more effective at improving the balancing and walking abilities of patients with stroke than wearing a pelvic compression belt on the nonparetic side or not wearing a pelvic belt.