Abstract
Objective: To evaluate trunk performance in non-acute and chronic stroke patients by
means of the Trunk Control Test and Trunk Impairment Scale and to compare the
Trunk Control Test with the Trunk Impairment Scale and its subscales in relation to
balance, gait and functional ability after stroke.
Subjects: Fifty-one stroke patients, attending a rehabilitation programme,
participated in the study.
Main measures: Subjects were evaluated with the Trunk Control Test, Trunk
Impairment Scale, Tinetti balance and gait subscales, Functional Ambulation
Category, 10-m walk test, Timed Up and Go Test and motor part of the Functional
Independence Measure.
Results: Participants obtained a median score of 61 out of 100 on the Trunk Control Test and 11 out of 23 for the Trunk Impairment Scale. Twelve participants (24%)obtained the maximum score on the Trunk Control Test; no subject reached the maximum score on the Trunk Impairment Scale. Measures of trunk performance were significantly related with values of balance, gait and functional ability.
Multivariate linear regression analysis showed an additional, significant contribution of the dynamic sitting balance subscale of the Trunk Impairment Scale in addition to the Trunk Control Test total score for measures of gait and functional ability (model R2/0.55/0.62).
Conclusions: This study clearly indicates that trunk performance is still impaired in non-acute and chronic stroke patients. When planning future follow-up studies, use of the Trunk Impairment Scale has the advantage that it has no ceiling effect.
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