Postural Stability and Balance Training Program in Hemiparetic Stroke Patients

Abstract

Aim:  To compare limits of stability (LOS) between stroke patients and control group and to evaluate the effects of balance training program on hemiplegic stroke patients.

Setting: Balance clinic, physical   medicine and rehabilitation hospital, Kuwait.

Materials and Methods: A total of 36 ambulatory hemiplegic stroke patients and 34 age-matched healthy individuals as control group were recruited in this study. All patients and healthy individuals were evaluated by the LOS test.

Results: There were a significant increased RT (sec), a significant decreased MVL (deg/sec), a significant decreased EPE (%), a significant decreased MXE (%) and a significant decreased directional control(DCL)  (%) in stroke patients compared to control group (p < 0.01).  Moreover, a significant decreased RT, a significant increased MVL (deg/sec), a significant increased EPE (%) and a significant increased MXE(%)  after training compared to results before training in stroke patients (p < 0.01). However, no significant difference of DCL (%) after training compared to results before training in stroke patients (p >0.05). 

Conclusion: There were significantly worse in parameters of LOS test in stroke patients. Moreover, significant enhancement of some parameters of LOS test after training in stroke patients was found.