Background and Objective: Stroke, a major contributor to long-term disability worldwide, often results in significant impairments in motor function. These impairments can include weakness, impaired balance, and decreased coordination, which can have a significant influence on one’s quality of life and independence. Finding an effective protocol for rehabilitation to improve these points will decrease the impact of stroke and its coast of rehabilitation. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted to assess the effect of lower limb plyometric exercises on strength, postural control, and risk of falling in stroke patients. Materials and Methods: This study involved 40 chronic left stroke patients randomly divided into two equal groups. The experimental group participated in a 12-week supervised plyometric training program, while the control group received conventional physical therapy program. Lower limb muscle strength was measured using a handheld dynamometer, and balance and fall risk were assessed via the Biodex Balance System (BBS). These measurements were conducted before and after the intervention period to evaluate treatment effects. Results: The results of this study demonstrated significant improvements in muscle strength and balance parameters among stroke patients who underwent plyometric exercise compared to those receiving a conventional program. The plyometric group exhibited significantly greater increases in knee extension strength (p < 0.05), hip abduction strength (p < 0.05), ankle dorsiflexion strength (p < 0.05), and ankle eversion strength (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the plyometric group showed significant improvements in overall stability (p < 0.05), mediolateral stability (p < 0.05), and anteroposterior stability (p < 0.05), as measured by the Biodex Balance System (BBS). Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that plyometric exercise may be an effective intervention for decreased risk of falling and enhancing muscle strength and balance during recovery from stroke.

Background: Diastasis rectus abdominis (DRA) is a frequent concern following childbirth, particularly following a cesarean section (CS). Mobile exercise applications offer promising opportunities for enhancing physical therapy services, with potential positive outcomes. Purpose: This study compared the effect of a specific DRA-targeted mobile app-based exercise program on inter-recti distance (IRD) and multiple clinical measures to a traditional abdominal exercise program in post-CS mothers with DRA. Methods: This two-armed, parallel-group, randomized controlled trial involved 40 primiparous women undergoing CS; they were classified into two equal groups. Group A participated in Just Fit, a mobile app-based abdominal exercise program, while Group B received a traditional abdominal exercise program. Both exercise programs lasted 30 min, 3 times/week, for 8 weeks as a home program with follow-up sessions once weekly at an outpatient physical therapy clinic. Ultrasonography was used to measure IRD, a manual muscle test assessed abdominal muscle strength, a tape measure gauged circumferences, and a questionnaire evaluated satisfaction. Results: Both programs showed significant improvements in pre- and post-treatment measures of IRD, muscle strength, and girth (p ≤ 0.001 for all comparisons). Women in Group A exhibited significant post-treatment improvements in IRD above the umbilicus, abdominal muscle strength, girth measurements, and satisfaction compared with those in Group B. However, there were non-significant differences in IRD below the umbilicus and hip circumference between the two groups. Conclusions: The mobile app-based exercise program was associated with greater improvements in IRD above the umbilicus, abdominal muscle strength, waist and umbilical circumferences, and patient satisfaction compared with the traditional exercise program for post-CS DRA. These findings suggest that mobile app-guided rehabilitation may serve as an effective and accessible adjunct to traditional post-CS exercise programs, although larger trials are recommended to confirm these results.