Evaluation of the effect of balance training in hemiplegic patients

Abstract

Aim of the work: To assess the postural instability in hemiplegic patient and evaluate the effect of balance training by the biodex balance system (BBS-SD). Patients and methods: Forty patients with hemiplegia (hemiplegic group) and 30 healthy volunteers (control group). The hemiplegic group was subdivided randomly into two subgroupsnI and IInaccording to the rehabilitation program. Group, I received balance training by BSS-SD in addition to traditional rehabilitation program for hemiplegia. Group II received a traditional rehabilitation program for hemiplegia. All patients were functionally assessed by Stroke Specific Quality of life scale (Ss-QOL) scale and balance assessment by berg balance scale and by using BSS-SD. Results: There was significant affection of overall stability index of postural stability test, fall risk test and parameters of limits of stability (LOS)test in hemiplegic group in comparison to the apparently control group (p ≤ 0.05 ). There was a statistically significant improvement in both hemiplegic subgroups but more significant in group I regarding postural stability test, fall risk test and limits of stability test. Also, there was an improvement in Ss-QOL scale and BBS that was more significant in group I. Conclusions: Stroke patients have postural instability and increased risk of falling. Balance training by using BSS-SD in addition to the traditional rehabilitation program decreases the postural instability, also improves the quality of life more than the traditional rehabilitation program only.