title: Effects of visual feedback with a mirror on balance ability in patients with stroke.
abstract: [Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of a visual feedback obtained from a mirror on balance ability during quiet standing in patients with stroke. [Subjects] Fifteen patients with stroke (9 males, 6 females) enrolled in the study. [Methods] Experimental trials (duration, 20s) included three visual conditions (eyes closed, eyes open, and mirror feedback) and two support surface conditions (stable, and unstable). Center of pressure (COP) displacements in the mediolateral and anteroposterior directions were recorded using a force platform. [Results] No effect of condition was observed along all directions on the stable surface. An effect of condition was observed on the unstable surface, with a smaller mediolateral COP distance in the mirror feedback as compared to the other two conditions. Similar results were observed for the COP speed. [Conclusion] Visual feedback from a mirror is beneficial for improving balance ability during quiet standing on an unstable surface in patients with stroke.
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Shin-Hwa Rehabilitation Hospital, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Tae-Sung
authors.initials: TS
authors.lastname: In
authors.affiliation: Department of Physical Therapy, Sunlin College, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Yu-Ri
authors.initials: YR
authors.lastname: Cha
authors.affiliation: Department of Occupational Therapy, Semyung University, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Jin-Hwa
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Jung
authors.affiliation: Institute for Life Sciences, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Republic of Korea.
authors.forename: Kyoung-Sim
authors.initials: KS
authors.lastname: Jung
keywords: Balance; Feedback; Stroke