Approaches to reduce trunk dysfunction in central nervous system diseases

Abstract

Physiotherapists often have opportunities to perform physical therapy for patients with hemiplegia due to cerebrovascular disorders (among patients with central nervous system diseases), during the acute, recovery and chronic phases of the condition. Physical therapy is performed for patients who have difficulties in maintaining a sitting posture or performing activities while sitting, or who have walking difficulties or difficulties in performing activities while standing, due to trunk or pelvic dysfunctions. The authors consider that physical therapy, focusing on the major causative dysfunction, should be performed for patients at any phase of the disease, and that this requires a proper knowledge of kinesiology and anatomy. In this special topic, we will discuss the main measures for reducing the trunk dysfunction of patients with hemiplegia due to cerebrovascular disorders.