HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Hyatt Regency San Francisco Airport, CA, USA or Virtually from your home or work.

Yasemin SAHBAZ

 

Yasemin SAHBAZ

Istanbul Beykent University, Istanbul, Turkey

Abstract Title:E-BABE- Comparison of the Effects of Quadriceps Femoris and Gluteus Medius Strengthening Exercises on Balance in Hemiplegic Patients

Biography: Yasemin Şahbaz completed her PhD at the age of 34 at Istanbul University-Cerrahpaşa. She is the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Health Sciences and the Head of the Department of Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation at Istanbul Beykent University. She has published 10 articles and 7 book chapters and has presented 29 oral and poster presentations. She continues to teach at the university, conduct research, and develop projects.

Research Interest: Aim: Balance impairment is a common consequence of hemiplegia, significantly affecting functional mobility and independence. Strengthening exercises targeting specific muscle groups have been proposed to improve postural stability in stroke patients. This study compares the effects of quadriceps femoris and gluteus medius strengthening exercises on balance in hemiplegic individuals. Method: A total of 24 hemiplegic patients (8 females, 16 males) were included in the study and randomly assigned to two intervention groups: quadriceps femoris strengthening (Group A) and gluteus medius strengthening (Group B). Both groups participated in a structured rehabilitation program. Balance was assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test before and after the intervention. Spasticity was evaluated with the Modified Ashworth Scale. Results showed significant improvements in balance and muscle strength in both groups (p<0.05). However, the gluteus medius strengthening group demonstrated superior improvements in dynamic balance and functional mobility (p<0.05). Between-group comparisons revealed a significant difference in pre-treatment and post-treatment shoulder spasticity scores (p=0.017, p=0.024). No significant differences were found in other variables (p>0.05). Conclusion: Both quadriceps femoris and gluteus medius strengthening exercises effectively enhance balance in hemiplegic patients. However, gluteus medius strengthening appears to provide greater benefits in dynamic postural control and mobility. Integrating targeted muscle strengthening into rehabilitation programs may improve functional outcomes and reduce fall risk in stroke patients.