Effect of aquatic treadmill training on bilateral abdominal muscle thickness and balance function in stroke patients with hemiplegia / 中国康复理论与实践

ABSTRACT

ObjectiveTo explore the effect of aquatic treadmill training on abdominal muscle thickness and balance function in patients with hemiplegia after stroke. MethodsFrom 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. ResultsAfter 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). ConclusionThe aquatic treadmill training is more effective in strenghthening abdominal muscle to improve balance function.