Rehabilitation of postural stability in ataxic/hemiplegic patients after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
This study assesses the postural stability and the effect of balance training using a force platform visual biofeedback among outpatients with postural disturbances following stroke.


METHODS
A tilting multiaxial force platform was used to assess bilateral postural stability in 38 outpatients (mean age 69.50  +/- 8.57 years) with hemiplegia and/or ataxia after stroke. Stability indexes were obtained. Afterwards, a subgroup of 12 patients with the poorest overall stability index (OASI) started a balance training programme in the force platform. Postural control training consisted of a 30-min training session once a week for a 15-week period. The test was then repeated.


RESULTS
In the 38 outpatients sample, the mean OASI was 4.7  +/-  2.0 and 42.1% of the patients used their hands for support. In the 12 outpatients group, the initial OASI was 5.8  +/-  2.3 and half of the patients used their hands for support. The final OASI was 3.3  +/-  1.0 (p  =  0.005) and only two of the patients used their hands for support (p  =  0.046).


CONCLUSIONS
Our results suggest that a training programme using force platform visual biofeedback improves objective measures of bilateral postural stability in patients with hemiplegia and/or ataxia after stroke.
Januário
Filipa
F
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Coimbra University Hospital, Coimbra, Portugal. fajanuario@gmail.com
Campos
Inês
I
Amaral
Carla
C
D000368:Aged; D001676:Biofeedback, Psychology; D005260:Female; D006429:Hemiplegia / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D004856:Postural Balance; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications*; D016896:Treatment Outcome