Measurement of Trunk Muscle Strength After Stroke: An Integrative Review

Background: Research examining the measurement of trunk muscle strength after stroke is limited and diverse. This review, therefore, was undertaken to summarize research addressing what is known about measurements of trunk muscle strength after stroke.

Methods: Potentially relevant research was identified via 3 electronic database searches and a hand search. The research was examined for information on patients, measurement procedures and study findings. Findings regarding measurement properties (ie, validity, reliability, and responsiveness) were of particular interest.

Results: Searches identified 260 potentially relevant articles of which 28 met inclusion and exclusion criteria. Research involving diverse populations and measurement procedures demonstrates that trunk muscle strength is impaired after stroke. Many studies show that measurements of trunk muscle strength have known-groups/conditions and convergent validity with balance and performance of functional activities. The literature also supports the reliability of measurements of trunk strength after stroke. Little is known regarding the responsiveness of the measurements.

Conclusions: Trunk strength is commonly impaired after stroke. As weakness of the trunk muscles can affect balance and function, it may warrant routine measurement.