The effects of sole desensitization physical therapy on the standing balance and walking of recovering stroke patients

Abstract

Objective To explore the effects of sole desensitization physical therapy on standing balance and walking function among recovering stroke patients. Methods Stroke patients who met the inclusion criteria were randomly assigned to the observation group (40 cases) or the control group (40 cases). All patients received traditional rehabilitation. In addition, the observation group received sole densensitization physical therapy. The total course of treatment lasted for 1 month. The Berg balance scale (BBS) and Holden's functional ambulation classification (FAC) were used to evaluate balance and walking ability before and after treatment. The Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) was used to assess the motor function of the affected ankle, and footprint analysis was used to measure and record any changes in time and distance walked and to analyze improvements in gait. Results After the sole desensitization training, the BBS (37.41 ± 8.14), FAC ( 3.91 ±0.92) and FMA motor function (6.42 ± 1.12) results of the observation group were all significantly better than before training. Walking time and distance also improved.Conclusions Sole desensitization can affect foot proprioception. As a result, stroke patients' soles adapt to the surroundings, recover their ability to provide physiological support and promote improved motor function of the ankle.Sole desensitization can thus improve the standing balance and walking of stroke patients. Key words: Desensitization; Standing balance; Walking function; Physical therapy; Stroke