Article

Forty-six people who had strokes within 80 days before the study, resulting in unilateral hemiparesis, and who were in need of balance retraining participated. Initially subjects were recruited. The next 14 subjects were assigned to a control group. All subjefcts received physical therapy and occupational therapy (regular therapy) 2 hours a day, and subjects in 2 experimental groups received additional balance training 30 minutes a day until discharge. The visual feedback group received information about their CoG position as they shifted their weight during various activities. The conventional therapy group received verbal and tactile cues to encourage symmetrical stance and weight shifting. Static (postural sway) and activity-based measures of balance (Berg balance scale, gait speed and the timed "Up and Go" test) were contrasted across the 3 groups at baseline, at discharge, and at 1 mongth following discharge using an analysis of variance for repeated measures. Results : all groups demonstrated marked improvement over time for all measures of balance ability, with the greatest improvements occurring in the period from baseline to discharge. No between-group differences were detected in any of the outcome measures.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Identifiant basis : 2000213597