Effect of proprioceptive stimulation induced by footplate during center of pressure movement tracking training on the balance abilities of patients with chronic hemiplegic stroke: a randomized, controlled, pilot study.

Background

Balance requires highly complex interactions involving muscle strength, joint flexibility, visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive senses.

Objective

The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the effects of COP (center of pressure) movement tracking training conducted using the Biodex Balance System SD® in static and dynamic modes on balance ability in stroke patients.

Methods

Twenty-six stroke patients were randomly assigned to a control group (COP movement tracking training in static mode ; stable; n = 13 or an experimental group (COP movement tracking training in dynamic mode; unstable; n = 13). Both groups underwent neurodevelopmental therapy followed by an additional 15 min of COP movement training three times a week for 6 consecutive weeks. The timed-up and go test, COP pathway velocity, COP pathway length, and limit of stability were measured before and after intervention.

Results

The experimental group showed greater reductions in COP pathway length and COP pathway velocity than the control group (5%, F (1, 24) = 6.125, p = .021, η2 = .203; 5.4%, F (1, 24) = 6.661, p = .016, η2 = .217, respectively). No significant intergroup difference was observed for the timed-up and go test or limit of stability results.

Conclusion

COP movement tracking training in dynamic mode was found to be a more effective intervention for improving the static balancing abilities of stroke patients than training in static mode.