Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of trunk stabilization exercise using a sling on the balance ability of patients with hemiplegia.
Subjects: Forty patients with hemiplegia resulting from stroke were divided into a sling exercise group (SEG, n=20) and a mat exercise group (MEG, n=20).
Methods: The SEG conducted the trunk stabilization exercise using a sling, and the MEG performed the trunk stabilization exercise on a mat.
Results: The balance ability of both groups significantly improved. Although there were no significant differences between the groups, the SEG showed a greater reduction in the sway area (SA) and the sway length (SL) of the center of the pressure compared to the MEG.
Conclusion: We recommend trunk stabilization exercise using a sling as a clinical intervention to improve the balance ability of patients with hemiplegia.
Key words: Hemiplegia, Trunk stabilization exercise, Sling
