Trunk Control and Viscoelastic Properties of Trunk Muscles in Acute Stroke Patients

Stroke is a health problem that ranks second among the causes of death and third in the rate of severe disability . One of the most commonly reported problems after stroke is the structural and functional changes in the muscles . At the beginning of the structural changes of the muscles is the effect of the viscoelastic properties of the muscles. Various studies have reported an increase in skeletal muscle stiffness, which is dependent on elasticity as well as muscle viscosity after stroke . The initial condition of the affected trunk on both the ipsilateral and contralateral sides after stroke is defined as the earliest and most important factor in predicting functional recovery. Functional recovery after stroke was found to be associated with trunk control at a rate of 45-71% in general . We think that viscoelastic properties will change in trunk muscles of individuals with acute stroke and these changes may be related to trunk control disorder.