The Effects of Trunk and Extremity Functions on Activities of Daily Living, Balance, and Gait in Stroke

Objectives The primary aim is to investigate the effect of the trunk, upper extremity, and lower extremity functions on activities of daily living (ADL), balance, and gait. The second aim is to investigate the effect of trunk position sense on trunk control. Methods Thirty-six patients with chronic stroke were included in the study. The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), Barthel Index (BI), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and 2-minute walking test (2MWT) were used for the assessment of trunk function, ADL, balance, and gait respectively. The Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement upper extremity (STREAM-UE) and lower extremity (STREAM-LE) sub-scales were used to evaluate extremity functions. The trunk position sense was measured with a digital inclinometer. Results The mean age of the participants was 58.8 +/- 12.6 years. In multiple regression analysis, TIS values were found to have a positive effect on BI and BBS (p < 0.05), and STREAM-LE values have a positive effect on BBS and 2MWT (p < 0.05). STREAM-UE values were no significant effect on BI, BBS, or 2MWT (p > 0.05). Trunk position sense was found to have a positive effect on TIS (p < 0.05). Discussion The results of this study showed that trunk functions are more related to ADL and balance than extremity functions. Therefore, trunk training should be included as a basic application in physiotherapy programs for stroke patients.