EFFECT OF WEIGHT BEARING EXERCISES ON SPASTICITY AND HEALTH RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN PATIENTS WITH POST STROKE SPASTICITY

BackgroundStroke is one of the leading causes of neurological disability and is frequently associated with spasticitydue to upper motor neuron damage. Spasticity interferes with voluntary movement and significantly affectsfunctional independence and quality of life. Physiotherapy interventions are widely used to manage poststroke spasticity. Weight bearing exercises are commonly incorporated in rehabilitation programs becausethey stimulate proprioceptive input and improve neuromuscular control.ObjectiveTo evaluate the effect of weight bearing exercises on spasticity and health related quality of life in patientswith post stroke spasticity..MethodsAn experimental study was conducted on twenty five patients diagnosed with post stroke spasticity.Participants were selected based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All participants received astructured weight bearing exercise program as part of their physiotherapy rehabilitation. The ModifiedAshworth Scale was used to measure spasticity and the Health Related Quality of Life questionnaire wasused to assess overall well-being. Pre treatment and post treatment assessments were performed and thedata were analyzed statistically.ResultsFollowing the intervention, the Modified Ashworth Scale scores showed a significant reduction indicatingimprovement in muscle tone. HRQOL scores also demonstrated improvement, suggesting better functionalability and quality of life among the participants. The results indicate that weight bearing exercises may beeffective in reducing spasticity and improving health related quality of life in stroke patients.ConclusionWeight bearing exercises appear to be an effective physiotherapy intervention for managing post strokespasticity and improving functional outcomes. Incorporating weight bearing activities into rehabilitationprograms may enhance recovery and promote independence in stroke survivors.