Effect of Core Stability Training on Trunk Control and Sitting Balance in Patients With Paraplegia

Effect of Core Stability Training on Trunk Control and Sitting Balance in Patients With Paraplegia: A Randomized Controlled Trial

This study aims to investigate the effect of core stability training on trunk control and sitting balance in patients with paraplegia resulting from incomplete spinal cord injury.

This randomized controlled trial was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of core stability training in improving trunk control and sitting balance in patients with paraplegia due to traumatic incomplete spinal cord injury. Forty-six participants diagnosed with incomplete SCI at neurological levels T6-T12 were randomly assigned into two groups. The study group received core stability training in addition to selected conventional physical therapy, while the control group received the same selected physical therapy program only.

Outcome measures included trunk control assessed by the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), sitting balance assessed by the Seated Functional Reach Test (SFRT) and T-shirt Test, and weight-bearing symmetry assessed using the Wii Balance Board (WBB). The study aimed to determine whether adding core stability training could significantly improve trunk control, sitting balance, and weight distribution symmetry in this population.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with traumatic incomplete SCI.
• Neurological level between T6 and T12 according to ASIA classification.
• Age from 25 to 35 years.
• Ability to maintain unsupported sitting.
• Medically stable condition.
• Adequate cognitive ability to follow instructions.
• Duration of injury more than six months.
• Moderate trunk impairment (TIS score 8-14).
• BMI less than 30 kg/m

Exclusion Criteria:

• other neurological disorders affecting balance.
• Uncontrolled cardiovascular conditions.
• Active lumbar or pelvic pressure sores.
• Orthopedic disorders affecting trunk control or sitting balance.
• Severe spasticity interfering with sitting balance