Effects of lumbar joint mobilization on trunk function, postural balance, and gait in patients with chronic stroke: A randomized pilot study.

Abstract

Patients with stroke have hypomobility in the facet joint of affected side. Lumbar joint mobilization could be used to maintain function and mobility of the joints. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lumbar joint mobilization on trunk function, postural balance, and gait in patients with stroke. Thirty patients with stroke were randomly assigned to two groups. Lumbar joint mobilization was provided for 15 min, 5 times a week for 6 weeks to patients who were allocated into the experimental group. Patients who were allocated into the control group received a sham intervention. Trunk function (trunk impairment scale), postural balance (weight distribution, Berg balance scale, and timed up and go test), and walking (10 m walk test, functional gait assessment, step length, and stride length) were evaluated before and after the experiment for all the patients. Lumbar joint mobilization significantly improved trunk function, postural balance, and gait compared with pre-test values in the experimental group (P< 0.05). Significant differences were seen in trunk function, postural balance, and walking between the two groups (P< 0.05). Lumbar joint mobilization might be an effective intervention for trunk function, postural balance, and walking in patients with stroke.