Influence of proprioceptive training of hemiplegic stroke patients on their visually-dependent compensatory strategy

Abstract

Objective To investigate the influence of proprioceptive training of hemiplegic stroke patients on their visually compensatory dependence.Methods Twenty stroke patients without vestibular abnormalities were recruited.They were able to walk for 10 meters.All the patients underwent 4 weeks of rehabilitation training including proprioceptive training,treadmill exercises and isometric muscle strengthening.Static standing balance test was performed before and after 4 weeks of treatment.The parameters such as the anteroposterior and mediolateral sway of the center of gravity,center of gravity distribution were analyzed before and after the treatment,taking into consideration of visual feedback (eyes open or closed) by using t-test and multiple linear regression analysis.Results Visual feedback had significant no influence on the anteroposterior sway of center of gravity before and after training (P ＞ 0.05) ; Visual feedback had significant influence on mediolateral sway of center of gravity.Rehabilitation training significantly improved the mediolateral sway in opened-eye standing (P ＜ 0.05) but not closedeye standing (P ＞ 0.05).Visual feedback played significant role in center of gravity distribution after training (P ＜ 0.05).Conclusions Visual compensation is of significant influence on the mediolateral sway.Proprioceptive training can help decrease the patient's dependence on visual feedback and enhance the patient's balance ability. Key words: Proprioception; Stroke; Standing balance; Visual dependence