The Effects of Dynamic Balance Training on Balance and Walking Function in Stroke Patients.

BACKGROUND

Stroke-related impairments in balance and gait are among the most common and disabling sequelae, significantly limiting functional independence and increasing fall risk. This study investigated the effects of short-term dynamic balance training on balance and gait in post-stroke hemiplegic patients.

METHODS

In this randomized controlled pilot trial, 16 post-stroke hemiplegic patients (intervention group, n = 8; control group, n = 8; mean age ≈ 58 years; predominantly male) were assigned to either a control group receiving conventional rehabilitation or an intervention group receiving additional daily dynamic balance training using the Prokin-252 system (30 min/day, 5 days/week, 3 weeks). Primary outcome measures included balance performance (Berg Balance Scale, mini-BESTest, single-leg stance), center-of-pressure (COP) parameters, gait performance (Timed Up and Go Test), and surface electromyography (sEMG) activity.

RESULTS

Following the intervention, both groups demonstrated improvements; however, the intervention group showed significantly greater gains in balance and gait outcomes. Specifically, Berg Balance Scale scores improved significantly (p = 0.012), as did mini-BESTest scores (p = 0.004). Eyes-closed single-leg stance time increased significantly on both sides (p < 0.05). COP analysis revealed reductions in sway area and trajectory length under challenging conditions. sEMG analysis indicated increased activation of the affected-side gluteus medius. In terms of gait performance, the intervention group demonstrated greater improvements in Timed Up and Go Test performance (p = 0.002), dual-task walking, and gait phase symmetry.

CONCLUSIONS

Supplementing conventional rehabilitation with dynamic balance training effectively enhances balance and gait function in post-stroke patients, potentially through improved neuromuscular control. The integration of sensor-based COP analysis and sEMG provides additional mechanistic insight into rehabilitation outcomes.