Recovery of static and locomotor functions in patients with the vestibular-atactic syndrome during the recovery from cerebrovascular accident

Abstract

Background. The article presents the results of the research on the effectiveness of the proprietary method of the locomotor function correction by activating the vestibular analyzer using the vertical oscillation procedure in patients with postapoplectic vestibular-atactic syndrome. Methods. The study involved 47 patients, median age was 58 [51; 63] years. The patients were randomized into 2 groups. In the main (I) group (n=23), patients received complex rehabilitation treatment and the proprietary method of balance and gait correction. The originality of the method lies in activation of the vestibular analyzer and postural synergies through displacements of the center of gravity in the vertical plane. In the comparison group (II), patients (n=24) received complex rehabilitation treatment and training on biofeedback (BFB) platforms. Computer stabilometry (CS), assessment of gait function using of the proprietary method “Laser analyzer of kinematic gait parameters” (LA-1), Berg Balance scale (BBS), Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), Falls Efficacy Scale (FES), and HADS were carried out before and after the course of treatment. Results. In group I, statistically significant change in CS, LA-1, BBS, DGI, and ICARS score was observed after training course. In group II, significant changes in CS, LA-1, BBS, and DGI scores were also observed. When comparing the data of CS, BBS, and DGI, no statistically significant differences were found between groups I and II. Conclusion. The effectiveness of the proprietary method in restoring balance and gait in postinsult patients was demonstrated to be comparable to that of training on BFB platforms.