The effect of conventional movement training and trampoline training on balance and gait in chronic hemiplegic patients

Abstract

The postural sway of subjects during standing both with their eyes open and closed together with maximum velocity of walking were analysed in six male chronic hemiplegic patients before, during and after an intensive movement training programme lasting 8 weeks. The movement training programme was carried out on the basis of Bobath's principles. Three of the subjects carried out their training on a trampoline, with the particular purpose of enhancing the stimulation of the mechanisms responsible for the control of balance. During the follow-up, maximal walking velocity remained at previous levels and no systematic changes were observed in the control of postural sway. Although the use of the trampoline did not indicate special advantages for the balance or gait of these patients, its use in movement training is nevertheless encouraged as an alternative and motivational factor that might also lead to specific benefits with a training programme of longer duration.