Post-stroke balance training: role of force platform with visual feedback technique.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the role of balance training on Force Platform with Visual Feedback technique (FPVF) in improving balance and functional outcome in chronic stroke survivors.


METHODS
Prospective, repeated measure study.


METHODS
Neurological rehabilitation department of a tertiary research center.


METHODS
First episode of supra-tentorial stroke with more than 3 months duration, ability to follow 3 step commands, and impaired balance and gait with ability to walk independently or with one person support (Functional Ambulation Category II-IV).


METHODS
Training on "Balance Master" for 20 sessions (20 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks).


METHODS
Balance on Berg Balance Scale, Balance Index and Limits of Stability scores, walking ability on over ground walking speed, and functional ability on Barthel Index. Evaluation was done pre- and post-training and at 3 months follow-up. Statistical analysis was done by Paired t test on SPSS 13.0.


RESULTS
Forty five patients (M:W: 36:9, age range: 22-65 years, mean post-stroke duration of 16.51+/-15.14 months) were included. Forty (89.9%) subjects completed training and all primary and secondary outcome measures showed statistically significant improvement (p<0.000) at the end of training. Thirty-four (75.6%) subjects were followed up and statistically significant improvement (p<0.000) was maintained for all outcome measures.


CONCLUSIONS
Balance training by FPVF technique significantly improves balance and functional outcome even in chronic phase after stroke. Large scale, controlled studies are recommended.
Srivastava
Abhishek
A
Presently at, Center for Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital and Medical Research Institute, Mumbai 400053, India. abhishek.m.srivastava@relianceada.com
Taly
Arun B
AB
Gupta
Anupam
A
Kumar
Senthil
S
Murali
Thyloth
T
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D004185:Disability Evaluation; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods; D056228:Feedback, Sensory / Q000502:physiology*; D005260:Female; D020233:Gait Disorders, Neurologic / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D006801:Humans; D008124:Locomotion / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009069:Movement Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D017063:Outcome Assessment, Health Care; D026741:Physical Therapy Modalities / Q000295:instrumentation*; D004856:Postural Balance / Q000502:physiology*; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011597:Psychomotor Performance / Q000502:physiology; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult