Effects of different biofeedback training techniques on the static balance of hemiplegic patients

Abstract

Objective To compare the static standing balance of stroke patients after different biofeedback protocols. Methods Thirty-two stroke patients were randomly divided into a knowledge of performance (KP) group, a knowledge of results (KR) group and a control group. All 3 groups received 4 weeks of conventional rehabilitation training plus another 30min of static standing balance training per day. The KP group received audio-visual feedback in real time during the training. The KR group received section result feedback. The control group received no feedback during the extra balance training. Before and after the training, the performance of the 3 groups was evaluated using Berg's Balance Scale (BBS) and a portable biofeedback device. Results Average BBS performance improved significantly more in the KP group (3.08±1.08) than in KR group (1.30±0.67) and control group (1.20±0.79) (P 0.05). The average improvements of the KP group in terms of Standing with Eyes Closed and Tandem Standing (0.92±0.79 and 0.83±0.39) were significantly higher than those in the KR (0.30±0.48 and 0.20±0.42) and control groups (0.01±0.01 and 0.40±0.52) (P<0.05). Average trunk angular displacements in all four directions[Anterior (2.83±0.93; 6.15±1.85), Posterior (2.56±0.88; 5.97±1.74); Left (2.86±1.16; 6.49±2.42), Right (2.68±1.43; 5.98±2.05)]in the KP group was significantly higher than in the others (P<0.05). No significant differences were detected between the KR and control groups in BBS results or in posture. Conclusions Static standing training should incorporate real time biofeedback. It is then more effective than conventional standing training or training with section results feedback. It is worth spreading in clinical applications. Key words: Biofeedback; Training; Static balance; Stroke