Nurse-Led Trunk Control Program for Stroke Recovery

This clinical trial evaluates a special nurse-led bedside trunk control program designed to help stroke patients improve their core strength, breathing function, and overall quality of life. The study will involve 130 adult stroke patients who are currently in stable condition but have difficulty with trunk control (scoring below 21 on the Trunk Impairment Scale).

The program involves a 4-week intensive training that combines several techniques including arm exercises, butterfly technique, shoulder control, diaphragmatic breathing, and body awareness exercises. Patients in the intervention group will practice these techniques twice daily for 20-30 minutes, with adjustments made based on their individual progress. The control group will receive standard stroke care including education about positioning and wheelchair use.

Researchers will measure improvements using several assessments:

• Trunk function (using the Trunk Impairment Scale)
• Postural control (Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke)
• Breathing ability (assessed by rehabilitation specialists)
• Body awareness (Body Awareness Questionnaire)
• Quality of life (Stroke Impact Scale)

These measurements will be taken three times: before the program starts, at 2 weeks, and at 4 weeks. The study aims to not only help current stroke patients but also create better training programs for nurses who care for people with trunk control problems after stroke.

Stroke recovery is a challenging process that often requires multiple types of therapy. Many stroke survivors struggle with basic movements like sitting up, balancing, and breathing properly because of damage to their trunk control. This research is important because it focuses on practical, bedside techniques that nurses can use to help patients regain these fundamental abilities. Improved trunk control may lead to better independence in daily activities, reduced risk of falls, and enhanced overall recovery.

For caregivers, this study highlights the importance of trunk rehabilitation in stroke recovery. The techniques being tested could eventually become standard care practices, giving families more tools to help their loved ones recover. The study also emphasizes the crucial role nurses play in stroke rehabilitation, showing how specialized training programs can improve patient outcomes.

Stroke affects millions of people worldwide, and research like this helps build our understanding of effective rehabilitation methods. Even small improvements in trunk control can significantly impact a stroke survivor's ability to perform daily activities and maintain independence. This study represents an important step toward developing more comprehensive, evidence-based approaches to stroke recovery that address both physical function and quality of life.