Trunk control is related to functional status in patients who underwent surgery for brain tumor

Purpose: Trunk control is the key component for functional movements and affected by limited blood circulation in neurological diseases. Although the relationship between trunk control, gait and functional independence is clear neurological conditions as stroke, it is not known in patients who underwent surgery for brain tumor. The aim of this study is to determine the relationship between trunk control, functional independence and functional capacity in patients with brain tumors early period after surgery. Materials and Methods: Trunk control, functional mobility and independence of twelve patients with brain tumor were evaluated by 2-Minute Walk Test (2MWT), Trunk Impairment Test (TIS) and Barthel Index, respectively in early postoperative period. Results: Functional mobility was positively correlated with total and static trunk control (p=0.028, r=0.629 for total trunk control and p=0.029, r=0.627 for static trunk control). Functional independence was correlated to total trunk control (p=0.023, r=0.674). Conclusion: Functional mobility was closely associated with trunk control and functional independence in patients with brain tumor early period after surgery. Intensive evaluation that targets trunk control early after surgery should be done to regain better functional mobility for functional independence.