Mobility after combined range-of-motion and neck exercises in patients with stroke
DOI: https://doi.org/10.56922/msc.v6i4.3856
Barthel Index Mobility Neck Exercise Range of Motion Stroke
Abstract
Background: Stroke frequently results in impaired physical mobility and dependence in activities of daily living. Range-of-motion (ROM) and neck exercises may support recovery by maintaining joint mobility, muscle activity, postural control, and functional performance.
Purpose: To compare mobility changes between stroke patients receiving combined ROM and neck exercises and those receiving standard hospital therapy.
Method: This quasi-experimental study used a pretest–posttest design with a control group and involved 52 patients with non-hemorrhagic stroke, comprising 26 participants in the intervention group and 26 in the control group. Allocation was sequential rather than randomized. The intervention group received a 30-minute combined ROM and neck-exercise program, whereas the control group received standard hospital therapy. Mobility was measured using the Barthel Index. Within-group changes were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test, and post-test mobility was compared between groups using the Mann–Whitney U test.
Results: The mean Barthel Index score increased from 7.8 to 12.6 in the intervention group and from 7.9 to 8.4 in the control group. Mobility improved significantly within the intervention group (p < 0.001) but not within the control group (p = 0.066). Post-test mobility differed significantly between groups (p < 0.001).
Conclusion: Combined ROSM and neck exercises were associated with greater short-term mobility improvement than standard hospital therapy in this non-randomized sample.
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