The body balance training effect on improvement of motor functions in paretic extremities in patients after stroke. A randomized, single blinded trial

Clin Neurol Neurosurg. 2012 Jan;114(1):31-6. doi: 10.1016/j.clineuro.2011.09.002. Epub 2011 Oct 2.

Abstract

Objective: Study evaluates movement selectivity improvement in hemiparetic post-stroke patients after balance training.

Methods: Study included 26 patients and 15 healthy subjects (control group C). Patients were divided into two groups with 20-day balance training (A) and without (B). Normal standing weight distribution was expressed in percentages, center of feet pressure (COP) sway velocities were evaluated in anterior-posterior and medio-lateral (Y, X) directions for normal standing with eyes open and closed (EO, EC) and for tandem. Brunnström scale assessed movement selectivity.

Results: Weight distribution dissymmetry (Δ10%) was found. It was reduced (Δ2%) after training in group A. COP were higher for X direction (±6mm/s vs ±12mm/s) in normal standing. Difference (±12mm/s) was found for Y in tandem. Brunnström score increased in group A from 0.3 to 0.6. It was negatively correlated with average COP for EO and EC in Y and X and for tandem in X.

Conclusion: Training reduces weight-bearing dissymmetry and improves movement selectivity.

Publication types

  • Randomized Controlled Trial

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Female
  • Foot / physiology
  • Functional Laterality / physiology
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Movement / physiology
  • Paresis / etiology
  • Paresis / rehabilitation*
  • Physical Education and Training / methods*
  • Postural Balance / physiology*
  • Pressure
  • Psychomotor Performance / physiology
  • Recovery of Function
  • Single-Blind Method
  • Stroke / complications
  • Stroke Rehabilitation*
  • Weight-Bearing / physiology