| Objective: To investigate the effect of Pilates training on respiratory function and motor function of lower limbs for recovery phase of stroke patients. Methods: Totally, 47 patients were randomly divided into control group (n=24) and observation group (n=23) by computer program in the study. All 47 patients received the regular rehabilitation treatment. Observation group received the Pilates training for 6 weeks. The respiratory function of the two groups was assessed before treatment and 6 weeks after treatment. The respiratory function was assessed by forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), peak expiratory flow (PEF) and FEV1/FVC. Fatigue was assessed by the Fatigue Severity Scale (FSS). Fugl-meyer Lower Limb Motor Function Scale (FMA-L) was used to evaluate the motor function of lower limbs in patients after stroke. Respiratory function, fatigue and motor function of lower limbs were compared between two groups. Results: There were no significant differences in respiratory function indicators (FVC, FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF), FMA-L and FSS between the two groups before treatment. After 6 weeks of treatment, FVC, FEV1, PEF and lower limb motor function of the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group (P<0.05). There was no significant difference in FEV1/FVC between the two groups before and after treatment. Conclusion: Pilates training can effectively improve respiratory function, fatigue degree and motor function of lower limbs for recovery phase of stroke patients. |
