Armaghane Danesh Bimonthly Journal (Jul 2024)
The Effect of Home-based Exercises with Functional Overload on Functional Independence, Balance, Walking and Electromyographic Changes in Acute Stroke Patients
Abstract
Background & aim: stroke causes damage to the sensory and motor systems and motor and cognitive disabilities due to impaired blood supply to an area in the brain. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of exercises at home with functional overload on acute stroke patients. Methods: In the present semi-experimental study conducted in 2024, as a pre-test and post-test with intervention and control groups, the statistical population included stroke patients referred to the clinic of Shohdai Eshair Hospital in Khorramabad. The statistical sample included 24 acute stroke patients who were randomly divided into two groups (intervention and control). In two stages of pre-test and post-test (after 12 weeks of training), leaf balance test, measurement of functional independence, dolly walking test and electromyography examination of anterior tibialis muscle and quadriceps femoris were performed in both groups.The collected data were analyzed using independent t and Kolmogorov-Smirnov statistical tests. Results: The balance examination with a significant level (p = 0.0001), in the walking test with a significant level (p = 0.0001) and in the functional independence test with a significant level (0.0001) p=0/) in the experimental group, the situation was better. Electromyography examination of quadriceps muscle nerve with a significant level (p=0.01) and anterior tibialis muscle nerve with a significant level (p=0.01) revealed that the muscle amplitude of the control group was better. Conclusion: The results of the present study indicated that in addition to clinical exercises, home-based exercises using a weight or weight cuff improve independent performance, walking, and balance in acute stroke patients, which was associated with positive changes in muscle electromyography.
