Correlation between Trunk Balance Ability at Initial Stage and Gait Ability at Discharge in Patients with Stroke

The trunk of patients with stroke plays an important role in functional independence and activities of daily living. Trunk control in patients with stroke is one of the crucial factor for performing functional tasks and is an essential component of gait. This study aimed to determine the relationship between the trunk balance ability at initial and gait ability at discharge in patients with stroke. In this study, 27 patients with stroke participated. Trunk impairment scale (TIS) at initial and gait ability (timed up and go TUG, 10 m walking test 10MWT, 6-min walking test 6MWT, and functional ambulation category FAC) at discharge were evaluated. Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients were used to evaluate the relationship between trunk balance ability and gait ability in patients with stroke. TIS showed a significant correlation with 10MWT (r=.42, p<.05), 6MWT (r=.41, p<.05) and FAC (rho=.48, p<.05). The initial trunk control ability and gait ability at discharge in patients with stroke were correlated. It is believed that trunk rehabilitation can be an important part of gait ability in patients with stroke. Additionally, it could be important to evaluate the initial trunk control ability of patients with stroke.