A Study to Investigate the Effects of Progressive Strengthening Exercise on Different Support Surfaces on Thigh Muscle Thickness, Weight-Bearing Ability, and Walking Function in Patients with Stroke

INTERVENTION: Behavioral : The unstable‐surface group performs progressive squat exercises on an Aire XBalance Pad, whereas the stable‐surface group performs the same exercises on a stable treatment‐room floor. Both groups receive 30 minutes of squat exercise and 60 minutes of conventional exercise therapy, five times per week for four weeks. The squat program consists of 5 sets of 10 repetitions during weeks 1‐2 and 6 sets of 10 repetitions during weeks 3‐4, with a 1‐minute rest between sets. Participants place their feet parallel at shoulder width, fle Xthe knees to approximately 90°, and then return to the starting position. Both groups receive the same exercise protocol, frequency, duration, and conventional therapy; the primary difference between the groups is the stability of the support surface used during the squat exercise. CONDITION: Diseases of the circulatory system PRIMARY OUTCOME: Quadriceps femoris muscle thickness SECONDARY OUTCOME: Gait function Weight‐bearing distribution INCLUSION CRITERIA: Patients who are 6 months to less than 1 year after stroke onset Functional Ambulation Category (FAC) score of 1 or higher Berg Balance Scale (BBS) score of 41 or higher Mini‐Mental State Examination‐Korea (MMSE‐K) score of 24 or higher No significant visual, auditory, or vestibular impairment Able to understand the purpose and procedures of the study and voluntarily provide informed consent