Effects of scapular stabilization exercise on function of paretic upper extremity of chronic stroke patients

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of scapular stabilization exercise on function of the upper extremity of individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. [Subjects] Eleven chronic hemiparetic stroke patients participated in a scapular stabilization exercise program conducted in the sitting position for 30 min per session, 5 days per week, for 4 weeks. We used 3 clinical assessments: the Manual Function Test, the Berg Balance Scale, and the Modified Barthel Index. [Results] Manual Functional Test Scores for the paretic upper limb significantly improved after the scapular stabilization exercise program. However, Manual Function Test scores for the non-paretic upper limb did not significantly improve after the scapular stabilization exercise program. The Berg Balance Scale and the Modified Barthel Index scores did not significantly improved after scapular stabilization exercise program. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that scapular stabilization exercise can improve the function of the paretic upper extremity of individuals with chronic stroke. However, scapular stabilization exercise did not affect balance or basic daily activities.