New research reveals a compelling link between trunk control and the resting muscle properties of the posterior trunk in patients experiencing acute ischemic stroke. This study indicates that assessing the resting tone and stiffness of specific muscles may offer valuable insights into trunk control and the potential for recovery in stroke survivors within 72 hours of the onset of symptoms.
Trunk control is a crucial early indicator of both motor skills and overall recovery following an acute ischemic stroke. However, previous studies have left a gap in understanding the role individual trunk muscles play in this recovery process. To shed light on this, a team of researchers investigated 30 stroke survivors, employing the Trunk Impairment Scale to evaluate trunk control and the modified Rankin Scale to assess global disability levels.
The focus was on measuring resting tone and stiffness in key muscles: Longissimus Thoracis, Lumbar Multifidus, Trapezius, and Rectus Femoris. The results showed a strong correlation between Trunk Impairment Scale scores and the tone and stiffness of the Longissimus Thoracis and Lumbar Multifidus. Notably, while Lumbar Multifidus tone demonstrated a moderate correlation, the study found no significant relationship between trunk control and the tone of the Trapezius or stiffness of the Rectus Femoris.
Among the muscle groups analyzed, the Longissimus Thoracis stood out as a critical marker. Its stiffness exhibited a strong negative correlation with the modified Rankin Scale, meaning increased stiffness was associated with a lower level of disability. Additionally, regression analyses identified both Longissimus Thoracis tone and stiffness as significant independent predictors of trunk control, suggesting these measures could be essential in evaluating post-stroke function.
This study contributes significantly to our understanding of post-stroke rehabilitation, as it highlights the potential clinical relevance of resting muscle properties shortly after a stroke occurs. Higher stiffness in the Longissimus Thoracis corresponded with improved trunk control and reduced overall disability, hinting that this muscle’s characteristics may serve as early markers for functional recovery.
Researchers emphasize that the anatomical role of the Longissimus Thoracis in maintaining trunk stability likely explains its stronger correlation to trunk control compared to other muscles investigated. This finding suggests that focusing assessment efforts on posterior trunk muscles, particularly the Longissimus Thoracis, could enhance acute stroke rehabilitation strategies.
The authors concluded that recognizing the importance of these muscle properties could inform rehabilitation planning. Future research will be necessary to explore whether these measurements can help identify patients most likely to benefit from targeted early interventions, ultimately improving recovery outcomes after a stroke.
This research underscores the importance of physical rehabilitation in stroke recovery and highlights the need for further studies on the role of specific muscle properties in rehabilitation efforts. As we advance our understanding of stroke recovery dynamics, targeting key muscular insights may pave the way for more effective, personalized treatment plans.
Reference: Polat H et al. Impact of resting muscle tone and stiffness in acute stroke survivors: which muscles’ tone correlates with trunk control? A cross-sectional study. Top Stroke Rehabil. 2026; DOI:10.1080/10749357.2026.2651793.
Tags: Stroke Recovery, Trunk Control, Rehabilitation, Muscle Properties, Health Research.
Original Source: https://www.emjreviews.com/neurology/news/stroke-trunk-control-linked-to-muscle-stiffness/
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Publish Date: 2026-03-30 06:51:00
