Effect of boxing therapy on upper-limb function, balance, and quality of life in stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Background: Active engagement of stroke patients in rehabilitation is directly linked with better functional performance. Boxing therapy is one of the innovative approaches that have been used to improve the active patient participation. Objective: To determine the additional effects of boxing therapy along with task-oriented training on upper limb function, balance, and quality of life in stroke patients.

Methods: This randomized control trial was conducted on thirty stroke patients - of either gender, age (40 to 60 year) and able to sit for at least 2 minutes - recruited through non-probability convenience sampling and randomly assigned into two equal groups: Boxing Therapy (BT) and Task-Oriented (TO) through sealed envelope method. Both groups received task-oriented training while BT group received additional concurrent boxing therapy for 8 weeks, 3 times per week. Fugl-Meyer-Upper Extremity, Wolf Motor Function Test, Berg Balance Scale, and Stroke Specific Quality of Life Questionnaire were used for assessment at baseline and after 4 and 8 weeks of intervention. Data was analyzed using SPSS.

Results: The between-group analysis showed the statistically significant difference in both group in terms of Fugl-meyer assessment for upper extremity, Wolf motor function test, Berg balance scale, and Stroke specific quality of life questionnaire (p<0.05). Within group analysis of all the variables are statistically significant for both groups (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The study found that boxing therapy has additional beneficial effects on upper limb function, balance and quality of life as compared to only task-oriented training in stroke patients.