The Effect of Trunk Stabilization Exercise Using an Unstable Surface on the Abdominal Muscle Structure and Balance of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] This study investigated the effect of unstable surface trunk stabilization exercise on the abdominal muscle structure and balance of stroke patients. [Subjects] The subjects were divided into two groups: an unstable surface trunk stabilization exercise group (n=13), and a stable surface trunk stabilization exercise group (n=11). [Methods] Both groups performed trunk stabilization exercise for 30 minutes, 3 days per week for 6 weeks. Abdominal muscle thickness and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were measured at the baseline and after 6 weeks. [Results] There was a significant improvement in the internal oblique muscle thickness, transversus abdominis thickness and balance ability of the unstable surface trunk stabilization exercise group. [Conclusion] The unstable surface trunk stabilization exercise improved the internal oblique and transversus abdominis muscles and balance ability. These results suggest that unstable surface trunk exercise is useful in the rehabilitation stroke patients.