Respiratory Functions and Muscle Strength, Trunk Control, Functional Capacity and Independence in Hemiplegic Patients

The Relationship of Respiratory Functions and Respiratory Muscle Strength With Trunk Control, Functional Capacity and Functional Independence in Hemiplegic Patients After Stroke

The aim of this study was to invastigate the relationship between respiratory functions and respiratory muscle strength with trunk control, functional capacity and functional independence in hemiplegic patients after stroke. In our study, 25 hemiplegic patients were included on a voluntary basis. Pulmonary function test (PFT) for respiratory functions, mouth pressure measurement (MIP: maximal ınspiratory pressure, MEP: maximal expiratory pressure) for respiratory muscle strenght. Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) for trunk control, and Time Up and Go Test (TUG) for functional capacity and Barthel Index (BI) for functional independence assessment were used.

Stroke is a clinical picture where motor loss, emotional and balance disororder, speech and cognitive functions are seen as a obstruction or rupture of cerebral vessels. %10 of patients with stroke recover spontaneously within the first month: the other %10 do not respond treatment. %80 of patients need rehabilitation. The purpose of stroke rehabilitation is to provide individuals with the functional capacity and functional indepence they need in the shortest time. The aim of this study was to invastigate the relationship between respiratory functions and respiratory muscle strength with trunk control, functional capacity and functional independence in hemiplegic patients after stroke. In our study, 25 hemiplegic patients were included on a voluntary basis. Pulmonary function test (PFT) for respiratory functions, mouth pressure measurement (MIP: maximal ınspiratory pressure, MEP: maximal expiratory pressure) for respiratory muscle strenght. Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) for trunk control, and Time Up and Go Test (TUG) for functional capacity and Barthel Index (BI) for functional independence assessment were used.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of ischemic stroke
• over age 40 years
• Brunnstrom stage 3-6.

Exclusion Criteria:

• having an additional clinical problem affecting lung functions,
• Mini-mental test score below 24,
• having another cardiovascular disease except stroke.