Effects of lumbar joint mobilization on trunk control, balance, and gait in patients with stroke: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial.

Abstract

Background: After stroke, most patients have impairments in trunk control, balance, and gait. These dysfunctions are closely related to the ability to perform activities of daily living. Therefore, restoring these functions has become the primary rehabilitation goal for stroke patients. Lumbar joint mobilization can activate the spine and surrounding muscles, increase the sensory perception of lumbar joints, restore the stability and symmetry of the trunk. Few studies have focused on the use of lumbar joint mobilization in stroke patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of lumbar joint mobilization on trunk control, balance, and gait in stroke patients.

Methods: Sixty stroke patients will be recruited from the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology. The participants will be randomly divided into a control group (n = 30) and an intervention group (n = 30). Both groups will receive conventional physical therapy once a day for 4 weeks, 5 days a week. The intervention group will receive an additional 10 min of lumbar joint mobilization at the end of each conventional physical therapy session. The primary outcome measure is the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), the secondary outcome measures are Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Time Up & Go test (TUG) and Functional Gait Assessment (FGA). Patients will be assessed for the outcome measures at baseline and at the 4th week at the end of treatment.

Discussion: The results of this study will provide preliminary data on the efficacy of lumbar joint mobilization combined with conventional physical therapy on trunk control, balance, and gait in stroke patients.

Trial registration: The trial was registered in the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry on September 3, 2023, with the registration number ChiCTR2300075377. The URL of trial registry record: https://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.html?proj=206313 .