Background: The balance and postural control of humans is related to the coordination of dynamic perception and movement. Multiple senses, such as vision, vestibular sense, proprioception, and/or a single sensory disorder, would lead to its integration disorder and induce imbalance and abnormal gait.
Objective: The present study aimed to determine the effects of dynamic motion instability system training (DMIST) on the balance and motor function of hemiplegic patients after stroke.
Methods: In this assessor-blinded, randomized controlled trial, the participants allocated to the intervention group (n = 20) received 30 minutes of conventional treatment and 20 minutes of DMIST training. Participants randomized to the control group (n = 20) received the same dose of conventional therapy and 20 minutes of general balance training. Rehabilitation was performed 5 times per week for 8 weeks. The primary outcome was the Fugl-Meyer assessment for the lower extremity (FMA-LE), and the secondary outcomes were the Berg balance scale (BBS) and gait function. Data were collected at baseline and immediately after the intervention.
Results: After 8 weeks (t1), both groups showed significant post-intervention improvements in BBS, FMA-LE, gait speed and stride length (P < 0.05); there were significant positive correlations between the increase in FMA-LE and gait speed and stride length. Compared with the control group, the DMIST group showed significant post-intervention improvements in FMA-LE, gait speed and stride length (P < 0.05). However, no significant differences between the groups were found over time with respect to BBS (P > 0.05). The experiences of patients with DMIST were positive, and no serious adverse events were related to the interventions.
Conclusion: Supervised DMIST could be highly effective in treating lower-limb motor function in patients with stroke. Frequent (weekly) and medium-term (8 weeks) dynamic motion instability-guided interventions might be highly effective in enhancing motor function, and subsequently improving gait in stroke patients.
Keywords: Dynamic motion; balance; instability; motor function; stroke.