Effects of visual feedback rhythmic weight-shift training on hemiplegic stroke patients.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the balance function of hemiplegic stroke patients and to investigate whether visual feedback rhythmic weight-shift training following acute stroke can decrease falls among patients with hemiplegic stroke.


METHODS
A prospective study, using a Balance Master.


METHODS
Hospital-based rehabilitation units.


METHODS
Fifty-two hemiplegic stroke patients (28 in the training group and 24 in the control group).


METHODS
Conventional stroke rehabilitation programme plus visual feedback rhythmic weight-shift training. Training effect was evaluated by assessing the static and dynamic balance performance as well as comparing the occurrence of falls in the training and control groups at six-month follow-up.


METHODS
Occurrence of falls; static balance in different sensory conditions; and dynamic balance performance, including on-axis velocity and directional control during rhythmic weight-shift.


RESULTS
Significant improvement in dynamic balance performance was found in hemiplegic patients in the training group. The improvement was sustained for six months. With regarding to static balance function, no significant improvement was found. At six-month follow-up, 5 of 28 patients (17.8%) in the training group had fallen, compared with 10 of 24 patients (41.7%) in the control group. The occurrence of falls decreased, although not statistically significantly (p=0.059).


CONCLUSIONS
Visual feedback rhythmic weight-shift training may improve dynamic balance function for hemiplegic stroke patients. The effects of training may be sustained for six months. The occurrence of falls decreased in the training group, but not statistically significantly.
Cheng
Pao-Tsai
PT
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Tao-Yuan, Taiwan. ptcheng@adm.cgmh.org.tw
Wang
Chin-Man
CM
Chung
Chia-Ying
CY
Chen
Chia-Ling
CL
D000058:Accidental Falls / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D005246:Feedback; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D004856:Postural Balance; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012047:Rehabilitation Centers; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome