The Effects of Bobath Method and Task-Oriented Approach in Stroke Patients

The evaluation of muscle thickness of bilateral rectus abdominis, external oblique, latissimus dorsi and erector spinae with ultrasonography will be performed by a physician using a 5-10 MHz linear probe (Diasus Dynamic Imaging Ltd, Livingston, Scotland,UK) in resting position. Muscle Thickness would be expressed as centimeters.

The evaluation of muscle activation of bilateral rectus abdominis, external oblique, latissimus dorsi and erector spinae will be performed using Delsys Trigno Superficial Electromyography System during maximum voluntary isometric contraction, gait and balance performance.

The evaluation of spatio-temporal parameters of gait such as velocity, cadence, step time, step length, gait cycle in double and single support, stance phase, swing phase, base of support, gait symmetry will be performed using the GAITRite electronic walkway.

The evaluation of limits of stability, anteroposterior and mediolateral sway range will be performed using the Bertec Balance Check ScreenerTM force platform system.

Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) is a valid and reliable scale measuring trunk performance in stroke patients. TIS consists of static sitting balance, dynamic sitting balance and coordination subtitles that provide bilateral evaluation of the trunk. The total score ranges from 0-23, and high scores indicate better trunk performance.

Stroke Rehabilitation Assessment of Movement (STREAM) evaluates motor function and quality of movement in stroke patients. STREAM consists of 30 items in which upper extremity, lower extremity, and basic mobility activities are represented by 10 items. The total score ranges from 0-70, and higher scores indicate better motor function.

Goal Attainment Scaling (GAS) is a standardized outcome measure for calculating the extent to which a patient's goals are achieved. GAS involves goal selection and goal scaling. Each goal is rated on a 5-point scale between -2 and 2.