《Chinese Journal of Rehabilitation Theory and Practice》 ›› 2022, Vol. 28 ›› Issue (5): 524-529.doi: 10.3969/j.issn.1006-9771.2022.05.006

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Effect of aquatic treadmill training on bilateral abdominal muscle thickness and balance function in stroke patients with hemiplegia

WANG Yanan1,2,LIU Huilin1,2(),ZHU Lin1,2,DU Xuejing1,2,ZHU Xiaomin1,2,LIU Yuanmin1,2   

  1. 1. The Third Department of Physiotherapy, Beijing Bo'ai Hospital, China Rehabilitation Research Center, Beijing 100068, China
    2. Capital Medical University School of Rehabilitation Medicine, Beijing 100068, China
  • Received:2022-03-28 Revised:2022-05-09 Published:2022-05-25 Online:2022-06-10
  • Contact: LIU Huilin E-mail:liuhuilin2010@sina.com

Abstract:

Objective To explore the effect of aquatic treadmill training on abdominal muscle thickness and balance function in patients with hemiplegia after stroke. Methods From March to October, 2021, 60 patients with hemiplegia after stroke were randomly divided into control group (n = 20), suspension group (n = 20) and aquatic treadmill group (n = 20). On the basis of comprehensive rehabilitation training, the control group received treadmill training, the suspension group received skyrail suspension walking training, and the aquatic treadmill group received treadmill training in water, for four weeks. The curative effect was evaluated by musculoskeletal ultrasound with muscle thickness of bilateral external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominal muscles. And they were assessed with Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patient (PASS) and Timed 'Up & Go' Test (TUGT) before and after treatment. Results After treatment, the thickness of external oblique and internal oblique muscles on the unaffected side, the PASS score and the TUGT time improved in all the three groups (|t| > 2.135, P < 0.05); while the thickness of external oblique, internal oblique and transverse abdominal muscles in the aquatic treadmill training group increased (|t| > 5.567, P < 0.001). The PASS score, the TUGT time, and the thickness of external oblique and internal oblique muscles on the affected side improved more in the aquatic treadmill training group than in the control group and the suspension group (P < 0.05). Conclusion The aquatic treadmill training is more effective in strenghthening abdominal muscle to improve balance function.

Key words: stroke, hemiplegia, aquatic treadmill training, abdominal muscle thickness, balance function

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