The Comparison Of Effectiveness On Balance And Isokinetic Strength Between Ball Exercise And Treadmill Walking In Post-stroke Patients

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine effectiveness of Ball exercise on balance and Isokinetic strength comparing to treadmill walking METHODS: Forteen post-stroke patients were recruited to participate and devided into two groups; Ball exercise group(BG; n=7, 45.7yrs±12.8) and treadmill walking group (TG; n=7, 44.3yrs±9.3).In both groups patients were capable of independent walking without any support. Before and after 12 week exercise training. Balance and isokinetic strength were measured by using Berg Balance Scale, Biodex balance system and Cybex 770 RESULTS: After 12-week exercise training, points from Berg Balance Scale increased in both group; 52± 2.94 to 52.14±3.48 in TG and 49.42±4.89 to 52.28±2.87 in BG. However independent t-test showed that there were significant difference between two groups in amount of changes(post-pre). Isokinetic Strength increased in both groups, but there were not significant difference between groups. CONCLUSIONS: Improving gait ability is one of major goals in exercise for post-stroke patients. It requires improvement of both balance and leg strength. Comparing the effect of two exercise, we recommend post-stroke patient to be participated in various type of exercise, especially in ball exercise that is effective for increasing both balance and leg strength.