Abstract
[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of a bridge exercise using the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (ADIM) on chronic stroke patients’ balance. [Subjects] In this study, 21 hemiplegia patients diagnosed with stroke were divided into a bridge exercise group using the abdominal drawing-in maneuver (BEGADM, n=10) and a bridge exercise group (BEG, n=11). [Methods] We examined subjects’ balance through sway area, sway path length, and sway max velocity. These values were compared and analyzed using a Balance Performance Monitor. [Results] At different points in time during the treatment period, the sway area (SA), sway path length (SPL), and sway max velocity (SMV) within the BEGADM and the BEG groups showed statistically significant differences. After 8 weeks of treatment, there were significant differences in the SA, SPL, and SMV between the two groups. [Conclusion] Bridge exercise using the abdominal drawing-in maneuver is an effective intervention for chronic stroke patients’ balance.
