Effectiveness of LiuZiJue Qigong versus traditional core stability training for poststroke patients complicated with abnormal trunk postural control: study protocol for a single-center randomized controlled trial

BACKGROUND: Trunk function in stroke patients with hemiplegia is associated with respiration and core stability and is also found to be associated with balance and postural control and activities of daily living. LiuZiJue Qigong (LQG) is a traditional Chinese method of fitness based on breath pronunciation. The purpose of this study is to compare the clinical efficacy of LQG and traditional core stability training in the treatment of stroke patients with abnormal trunk posture. This protocol is written according to the SPIRIT 2013 statement. METHODS/DESIGN: This study is a single-center randomized controlled trial in which 160 stroke patients are randomly divided into a study group and a control group. Patients in the study group will receive LQG combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy, and patients in the control group will receive traditional core stability training combined with conventional rehabilitation therapy. All treatments will be done for 45 min/day, five times per week, for 2 weeks. The primary outcome (Trunk Impairment Scale) and secondary outcomes (Berg Balance Scale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Modified Barthel Index, Maximum Phonation Time, Dynamic and Static balance testing, and thickness and the mobile degrees of diaphragm) will be measured at baseline, 2 weeks, and the end of the rehabilitation course. DISCUSSION: The aim purpose of this research study is to compare the clinical efficacy of LQG and traditional core stability exercise in the treatment of stroke patients with abnormal trunk posture. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Chinese Clinical Trial Register, ChiCTR1800014864. Registered on 24 November 2018.