Combined Effects of Motor Imagery and Core Stability Exercises on Trunk Control, Balance and Quality of Sleep in Stroke Patients

The exercises have been divided into three difficulty categories based on the level of difficulty. Level I: When the patients were unable to sit independently, level I core stability therapy was administered. First-level exercises were done in a supine position on a plinth. The workout program mostly included side bridging movements, leg crosses, one-leg curl-ups, and straight and diagonal reaching activities. Patients can move to level once they can sit on a plinth edge unsupported for one minute while flexing their knees and hips to 90 degrees. Level II: Exercises included straight-arm curl-ups, diagonal-arm curl-ups, and arm curl-ups with the arms crossed. The patient will go to stage three once they can sit on an unstable surface for thirty seconds. Level III: Using a physio ball, the exercises were done while seated. The exercises performed with the ball consisted push-ups, bird dog, side Bridge, abdominal curl-ups, and bridge movements

The motor imagery program will be performed in three steps. STEP 1 Subjects will be instructed to watch the video provided and recorded by investigator. Two types of videos will be available to watch. One recording normal movements and the other film will contain recording the patient movements. Patient will be asked to watch the video and analyze the differences. STEP 2 In next step participants will be asked to close the eyes to focus and then to imagine how they are doing task they had previously observed 10 times. STEP 3 Participants will be than instructed to carry out the task in verbal commands given whenever necessary. During the recall process components of movement deviating from normal will be emphasized. The difficulty level of activities and the analysis of movement components will be increased gradually according to the patient's capacity.