QUANTITATIVE ASSESSMENT OF MANUAL STABILIZATION OF LOW BACK MUSCLES DURING REACHING MOVEMENTS IN CHRONIC STROKE SURVIVORS

A. De Luca, H. Vernetti, P. Giannoni, C. Lentino, G. A. Checchia, D. De Santis, P. Morasso, M. Casadio

Abstract

The goal of this study is to provide a quantitative evaluation of a specific therapeutic maneuver used by physical therapists for improving core stability of stroke survivors. The maneuver is a simple, bilateral touch with light pressure on the low back muscles, applied to the subjects, while sitting on a force platform. Functional improvements were measured by looking at reaching movements with the unimpaired arm, motion of the center of pressure, and muscle activity. Preliminary results show that the maneuver induces a radical reorganization of the subjects posture, consisting of a righting reaction with an antero-version rotation of the pelvis and a consecutive shift forward of the center of pressure, thus increasing stability and enhancing movement performance.

Keywords

physical therapy, stroke survivors, movement analysis, reaching movements

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IMEKO TC

TC18 - Measurement of Human Functions

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