Article

AIM: To investigate the effects of balance training, using force platform
biofeedback, on motor recovery, mobility and activity level of hemiparetic
patients with stroke. METHODS: In this randomized, controlled, assessor-blinded
trial 41 inpatients [mean (+/-SD) age of 60.9 (+/-11.7) years] with hemiparesis
after stroke (median time since stroke 6 months) were randomly assigned to an
experimental or a control group. The control group (n=19) participated in a
conventional stroke inpatient rehabilitation program, whereas the experimental
group (n=22) received 15 sessions of balance training (using force platform
biofeedback) in addition to the conventional program. Main outcome measures were
motor recovery of the lower extremity (Brunnstrom staging), mobility (Rivermead
Mobility Index, RMI) and activity level (Functional Independence Measure, FIM)
that performed one week before and after the experimental treatment program.
RESULTS: Both groups were similar in terms of baseline clinical characteristics.
Motor recovery, mobility and activity level improved significantly in both groups
(P<0.05). Between-group difference of mean change score was not significant for
the Brunnstrom stages (0.23 vs 0.26), RMI (2.9 vs 2.2) and FIM score (10.7 vs
11.5). CONCLUSION: In our group of stroke patients, balance training combined
with a conventional rehabilitation program does not provide additional benefit in
terms of lower extremity motor recovery, mobility and activity level.

Langue : ANGLAIS

Tiré à part : OUI