The effect of visual feedback plus mental practice on symmetrical weight-bearing training in people with hemiparesis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate the effect of visual feedback with mental practice on symmetrical weight-bearing training in three individuals with hemiparetic stroke.


METHODS
A single-subject experimental design, alternating with multiple baselines across individuals.


METHODS
Laboratory of a department of occupational therapy.


METHODS
Three individuals with left hemiparesis from stroke.


METHODS
Visual feedback with mental practice on symmetrical weight-bearing training.


METHODS
The proportion of the participant's weight-bearing by the affected limb while standing was measured using Limloader.


RESULTS
For participants 1, 2 and 3, the respective average weight-bearing proportions of the affected limb were 27%, 31% and 21% at baseline, 47%, 48% and 47% after visual feedback with mental practice, and 42%, 48% and 42% after visual feedback only, immediately following each training session. When the participants had visual feedback with mental practice, they placed a greater proportion of their weight on the affected limb, and this effect was maintained for 1 h.


CONCLUSIONS
These findings indicate that the visual feedback approach alone can effect improvement but visual feedback together with mental practice produces further positive effect on improving and maintaining a symmetrical stance posture in people with hemiparetic stroke.
Yoo
Eun-young
EY
Department of Occupational Therapy, College of Health Science, Yonsei University, Wonju, Korea. splash@dragon.yonsei.ac.kr
Chung
Bo-in
BI
D000368:Aged; D006801:Humans; D007721:Knowledge of Results, Psychological; D007866:Leg / Q000503:physiopathology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009043:Motor Activity / Q000502:physiology; D010291:Paresis / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011214:Practice, Psychological; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D014796:Visual Perception; D016474:Weight-Bearing / Q000502:physiology*