Effects of Tai Chi combined with Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization on postural control and balance in post-stroke patients with sarcopenia: protocol for a randomised single-blind controlled trial.

INTRODUCTION: Post-stroke patients with sarcopenia commonly exhibit impaired postural control and balance, which elevates fall risk and diminishes quality of life. This study investigates if combining Tai Chi with Dynamic Neuromuscular Stabilization (DNS) has synergistic benefits for neuromuscular control, core stability and balance in post-stroke patients with sarcopenia. Tai Chi enhances dynamic balance and lower limb strength through controlled weight-shifting movements. In contrast, DNS aims to restore neuromuscular synergy and regulate intra-abdominal pressure. It applies principles from developmental kinesiology. This study seeks to determine whether the combined intervention demonstrates significantly greater improvements in postural stability relative to isolated interventions or conventional rehabilitation approaches.

METHODS AND ANALYSIS: A single-blind randomised controlled trial will recruit 60 post-stroke patients with sarcopenia, randomly allocated into four groups: Tai Chi, DNS, Tai Chi+DNS and a control group (receiving conventional rehabilitation). Interventions will be conducted over 5 weeks, with primary outcomes evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale and Trunk Impairment Scale. Secondary outcomes comprise metrics from the Balance Manager System, 30-second Chair Stand Test, Timed Up and Go Test, bioelectrical impedance-derived phase angle, Modified Falls Efficacy Scale and Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form.

ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION: The Ethics Committee of the Second Rehabilitation Hospital of Shanghai has approved this study. The findings will be distributed by publication in indexed journals and presentation at global academic forums.

TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2500102577.