Mobility In Stroke Patients Research Articles

An eight-week single-blind randomised controlled trial on dual task balance training and motor imagery practice in ischaemic stroke survivors.

The purpose of this study was to find the effects of motor imagery on balance and mobility of stroke patients.This was a single-blind randomised controlled trial which included a total of 30 patients. These patients were assigned into two group: experimental (n=15) and control (n=15) by sealed envelope method. Functional Reach Test (FRT), Time Up and Go Test (TUGT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and Movement Imagery Questionnaire (MIQ) were used as assessment tools. The overall mean age of the participants was 52.63 ±8.78 years. Between groups analysis showed non-statistically significant difference (p>0.05) in FRT but significant difference in TUGT, BBS, and MIQ-3 (p<0.009) after eight weeks of training. Within group analysis showed statistically significant difference (p<0.05) for all outcome measures. This study concluded that motor imagery is an effective treatment strategy for improving balance and mobility in stroke patients and brings better results as compared to conventional treatments.

Application of Range of Motion (ROM) to Increase Muscle Strength in Meeting Activity Needs in Stroke Patients

Stroke is a neurological disease caused by oclusion or hyperfusion in the blood vessels of the brain that causes neurological deficiencies and causes defects or death. The purpose of the case study is to find out a picture of nursing orphanage to meet the needs of physical mobility disorder activity by applying the Range of Motion for stroke patients starting from the achievement assessment to the evaluation. The methods used are descriptive case studies, with data collection techniques including interviews, physical examinations, observations and documentation. The results of the study showed that patients had weakness in the right extremity with the strength of the upper extremity muscle value 0 and the lower extremity value 2. The primary nursing diagnosis of physical mobility disorders is associated with a decrease in muscle strength. Planning to [treatment is to improve physical mobility in stroke patients. Implementation was done with increased physical mobility based on (SOP) Range of Motion performed in the morning, each movement for 10 counts for 30 minutes. Evaluation carried out after 4 days of implementation obtained data there was an increase in muscle strength of the upper extremity to 1 and the lower extremities to 3. Based on the explanation above, there was an increase in muscle strength between before and after the action. It is expected to be able to implement ROM therapy as an intervention to address the problem of physical mobility disorders in stroke patients.

Evaluation of the functional outcome and mobility of patients after stroke depending on their cognitive state

The study aimed to analyze the functional outcome and mobility in stroke patients depending on their cognitive state. 180 patients after first stroke were divided into four groups: 48 patients without symptoms of cognitive impairment (G1); 38 with mild cognitive impairment without dementia (G2); 47 with mild dementia (G3); 47 with moderate dementia (G4). The Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), Barthel Index (BI), Sitting Assessment Scale (SAS), Berg Balance Scale, Trunk Control Test and Test Up & Go were used. The tests were carried out at the time of admission to the ward (T1) and at the time of discharge (T2). A statistically significant improvement was demonstrated in all parameters in almost all groups. No significant difference was observed only in groups G1 and G4 in SAS head. Statistically significant differences in BI results in T2 between groups G1 and G4 were noted. The lowest change in BI was observed in the G4. Regression analysis showed that MMSE and BI at T1 and MMSE score at T2 explained the functional status at T2. Cognitive dysfunction at the time of admission to the ward and discharge may determining the patient's functional status at the time of discharge from the ward.

Current Technical Study on Functional Electrical Simulation for Stroke Patients

Stroke is a disease caused by sudden rupture or blockage of cerebral blood vessels, resulting in damage to brain tissue. And it has become a high fatality rate disease. Safe and effective treatments are urgently needed. FES can improve upper and lower limb movement and increase mobility in stroke patients, which is an effective physical therapy to stimulate the recovery of muscle activity. FES releases low-frequency pulses through surface or subcutaneous electrodes to stimulate the contraction of the target muscle to generate movement and reestablish the connection of motor pathways. FES treatment alone is no longer sufficient. Based on 8 studies in the last 5 years, the therapeutic effects of transcranial direct current stimulation and VR combined with functional electrical simulation were reviewed. Both combinations have achieved quite satisfactory therapeutic effects, but the therapeutic effect of VR still needs further research, and more combinations of treatment programs are more worthy of expectation.

Effects of task-oriented balance training with sensory integration in post stroke patients

Background: Balance and functional mobility is greatly affected in stroke patients. Balance training integrated with sensory input is more beneficial for improving balance and mobility in stroke patients. Objective: To determine the effects of task-oriented balance training with and without sensory integration on balance, postural stability, and mobility in post-stroke patients. Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted at RHS Rehabilitation Centre, Islamabad. A total of n=60 post-stroke patients were included in the study through a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Male and female stroke patients above 40 years of age, having the ability to maintain a standing position without aid for at least 5 minutes, and patients on Grades II, III, IV on the Functional Mobility Scale were included in this study. They were randomly allocated into Group A (n=30) and Group B (n=30). Both groups received Task oriented balance training while group B was treated with additional sensory integration. The Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale, and Balance Error Scoring system were used for balance assessment. The assessment was done at baseline and after 6th week. Results: The mean age of the participants was 54.47 years. After 6 weeks of intervention, a significant difference was found in group A as compared to group B for Dynamic mobility measured by Dynamic gait index with p-value (p=0.06) and for balance measured by BBS with p-value (p=0.05). Conclusion: The task-oriented balance training with sensory integration is effective in improving dynamic balance and mobility in stroke patients. Keywords: balance training; Sensory Integration; stroke rehabilitation; task-oriented balance exercises.

Role of age and sex in the association between BMI and functional limitations in stroke patients: Cross-sectional analysis in three European and US cohorts

BackgroundA U- or J-shaped association between BMI and different post-stroke outcomes is suggested. Thus, the aim is to evaluate the association between BMI with ADL, IADL and mobility limitations in the ageing post-stroke population at different ages, as well as the differences in this association by sex. MethodsA total of 5,468 participants with stroke and 21,872 without stroke over 50 years of age were assessed for the number of limitations in basic or instrumental activities of daily living (ADL/IADL) as well as mobility tasks. The association between BMI at the interview (continuous time-dependent variable) and the level of limitations was assessed using a linear mixed model stratified by sex and stroke status. ResultsThe association between BMI and ADL/IADL and mobility limitations were found to be significant in both men and women regardless of stroke status (p<0.001 for all). The association differs between those who have suffered a stroke and those who have not (p<0.001 for all). In ADL/IADL limitations, men with stroke showed a transition from an inverted J-shape to a U-shape association with age. In women, the BMI showed a less pronounced association between BMI and ADL/IADL limitations compared to men but with similar trends. A effect of sex was observed in the association between BMI and mobility, with women with and without stroke showing a linear association that differed from the inverted J-shaped or U-shaped association of men. ConclusionOur results suggest that BMI is associated with limitations in ADL, IADL and mobility in stroke patients. In addition, this association differs between men and women and is also influenced by age.

Psychometric Properties of the Turkish Version of the Abiloco: Factor Analysis.

The ABILOCO is a questionnaire measuring mobility in stroke patients. The aim of the study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the ABILOCO-Turkish. One hundred forty stroke patients were included. Thirteen items were rated according to 3 levels: difficult, easy, and impossible. The construct validity of the ABILOCO-Turkish was investigated using exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis. The reliability of the ABILOCO-Turkish was investigated through internal consistency approaches and test-retest reliability. The ABILOCO-Turkish was compared with the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test and the Berg Balance Scale for validity. The scale was repeated 1 week later for test-retest reliability. The Cronbach's alpha value calculated was 0.96 and item-total score correlations were between 0.464 and 0.899. The intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) calculated for test-retest reliability was 0.989. According to the results, the ABILOCO-Turkish is highly correlated with the TUG (r: -0.830, p < 0.001) and the Berg Balance Scale (r: 0.919, p < 0.001). The exploratory factor analysis of the ABILOCO-Turkish showed that it is unidimensional, with this factor explaining 66.56% of the variance, and the construct validity was proven by confirmatory factor analysis. The Turkish version of the ABILOCO is a reliable and valid scale for evaluating mobility in stroke patients.

Prediction of Factors Affecting Mobility in Patients with Stroke and Finding the Mediation Effect of Balance on Mobility: A Cross-Sectional Study

(1) Background: Regaining mobility after stroke is essential to facilitate patient independency in activities of daily living. Predicting post-stroke mobility is clinically important and plays a significant part in rehabilitation programs. The purpose of this study is to find the factors affecting mobility in patients with stroke and to analyze the mediation effect of balance on mobility. (2) Methods: This cross-sectional study included forty-one patients with stroke averaging an age of 57.2 ± 88.6. The Rivermead Mobility Index (RMI) was used for measuring the mobility, Timed Up and Go (TUG) to measure the walking speed, Berg Balance Scale (BBS) to assess the balance and a handheld dynamometer (HHD) was used for measuring the isometric strength of the ankle and knee. (3) Results: In regression analysis balance (β=0.58;&nbsp;p≤&nbsp;0.0001) and walking speed (β=-0.27;&nbsp;p=0.04) were the significant factors predicting mobility. (4) Conclusions: Balance and gait speed were the factors that influenced mobility in stroke patients, indicating the utility of measuring these aspects in order to provide appropriate rehabilitation programs.

Short term effects of anodal cerebellar vs. anodal cerebral transcranial direct current stimulation in stroke patients, a randomized control trial.

Balance and gait impairments are major motor deficits in stroke patients that require intensive neuro-rehabilitation. Anodal transcranial direct current stimulation is a neuro-modulatory technique recently used in stroke patients for balance and gait improvement. Majority of studies focusing on tDCS have assessed its effects on cerebral motor cortex and more recently cerebellum as well but to our best knowledge the comparison of stimulating these two regions in stroke patients is not investigated so far. The current study aimed to compare the effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation on cerebellar and cerebral motor cortex M1 in stroke patients. This double-blinded, parallel, randomized, sham controlled trial included 66 patients with a first-ever ischemic stroke were recruited into three groups; Cerebellar stimulation group (CbSG), M1 Stimulation Group (MSG), and Sham stimulation group (SSG). A total of three sessions of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation were given on consecutive days in addition to non-immersive virtual reality using Xbox 360 with kinect. Anodal tDCS with an intensity of 2 mA was applied for a duration of 20 min. Primary outcome measures berg balance scale (BBS), timed up and go test (TUG), BESTest Balance Evaluation-Systems Test (BESTest) and secondary outcomes measures montreal cognitive assessment (MoCA), mini mental state examination (MMSE), Johns Hopkins Fall Risk Assessment Tool (JHFRAT), twenty five feet walk test (25FWT), six minute walk test (6MWT), and tDCS Adverse Effects was assessed before initiation of treatment (T0) and at the end of third session of stimulation (T1). The results of between group's analysis using mean difference showed a significant difference with p-value <0.05 for balance (BBS, TUG, BESTest), walking ability (6MWT, 25FWT), risk of fall (JHFRAT). Cognitive function did not show any significant change among the groups for MoCA with p-value >0.05 but MMSE was improved having significant p-value (p = 0.013). However, 6MWT and 25FWT showed non-significant results for both between group and within group analysis. In pairwise comparison both the cerebellar and cerebral stimulation groups showed Significant difference with p-value <0.05 in comparison to sham stimulation; BBS (cerebellar vs. sham p ≤ 0.001, cerebral vs. sham p = 0.011), TUG (cerebellar vs. sham p = 0.001, cerebral vs. sham p = 0.041), Bestest (cerebellar vs. sham p = 0.007, cerebral vs. sham p = 0.003). Whereas for JHFRAT only cerebellar stimulation in comparison to sham and motor cortex stimulation showed significant improvements (cerebellar vs. M1 p = 0.037, cerebellar vs. sham p = 0.037). MMSE showed significant improvement in M1 stimulation (M1 vs. cerebellar p = 0.036, M1 vs. sham p = 0.011). Findings of the study suggest anodal tDCS stimulation of the cerebellum and cerebral motor cortex both improves gait, balance and risk of fall in stroke patients. However, both stimulation sites do not induce any notable improvement in cognitive function. Effects of both stimulation sites have similar effects on mobility in stroke patients.

A Comparative Analysis of Functional Status and Mobility in Stroke Patients with and without Aphasia.

All researchers agree that aphasia is a serious consequence of a stroke, but they also report contradictory data regarding the functional outcome. The aim of this study was, therefore, to assess the functional outcomes of stroke patients with and without aphasia, who were undertaking a regular rehabilitation programme. Materials and Methods: The study group consisted of 116 post-stroke patients, including 54 patients without aphasia (G1) and 62 patients with aphasia (G2). The following tests were used before (T1) and after (T2) rehabilitation measurement points: Barthel Index (BI), Sitting Assessment Scale (SAS), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Trunk Control Test (TCT), Test Up & Go (TUG) and the Timed Walk Test (TWT). Results: The group of post-stroke patients with aphasia had a significantly longer time since a stroke on admission, a significantly longer length of stay in the ward and significantly worse SAS and TCT scores at T2, compared to patients without aphasia. Both groups achieved significant improvement in all studied parameters (SAS, TCT, BI, BBS, TUG and TWT). Aphasia was a predictor of functional status in the stroke patients group, but only at the time of admission to the ward. Conclusions: Patients with and without aphasia have an equal likelihood of improving their functional status and returning to independence. Aphasia should not be an absolute factor that excludes stroke patients from research studies on their functional status.

Immediate Effect of Vibration to Plantar Flexors on Functional Mobility in Stroke Patients

Stroke is the most common cause of disability in adults. Stroke leads to problems such as muscle spasticity, weakness, abnormal gait, and balance dysfunction. This study investigates the immediate effect of focal vibration to plantar flexors on functional mobility in stroke patients.

Effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques in improving balance in poststroke patients

Stroke patients require rehabilitation programs to improve their functioning and quality of life. Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation is a widely used rehabilitation technique in clinical facilities. However, previous studies have not completely clarified its effectiveness. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation in improving balance and mobility in stroke patients through clinical research and literature review. Our findings show that proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation techniques effectively improve balance and mobility in stroke patients. However, there is little evidence supporting its superiority over the other rehabilitation methods.

Effect of trunk stabilization exercise on abdominal muscle thickness, balance and gait abilities of patients with hemiplegic stroke: A randomized controlled trial.

Trunk stability has been identified as an important prerequisite of functional movement. To investigate the effectiveness of core muscle contraction training on abdominal muscle thickness, balance, and gait ability in stroke patients. Thirty patients with stroke were randomly assigned to two experimental groups and a control group. All groups received conventional therapeutic exercise program for six weeks. The experimental groups additionally trained trunk stability exercise with abdominal hollowing or bracing maneuvers within training time. Primary outcome measures were evaluated abdominal muscle thickness using the sonography. Secondary outcome measures were evaluated by the Functional Reach Test (FRT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 10-meter walk test (10MWT), and Timed Up and Go test (TUG). Compared with the control group, the effect of trunk stability training for the experimental groups on the abdominal muscles thickness change was observed (p < 0.05). The values in balance and gait measures, BBS, FRT, 10MWT, and TUG, showed significant improvement after the intervention periods (p < 0.05), although no significant differences were found in scores of gait and balance scales among groups. Trunk stability training with selective abdominal muscles activation has beneficial effects on abdominal muscles, balance, and mobility in stroke patients. Our findings might provide support for introducing stroke rehabilitation.

Efficacy of task-specific circuit training on physical activity levels and mobility of stroke patients: A randomized controlled trial.

Impaired mobility is related to low physical activity (PA) levels observed after stroke. Therapeutic approaches, such as task-specific circuit training (TSCT), used to improve mobility in individuals with stroke, could also improve PA levels. To investigate the efficacy of TSCT, focused on both upper (UL) and lower (LL) limbs, in improving PA levels and mobility (primary outcomes), as well as muscle strength, exercise capacity, and quality of life (secondary outcomes) in subjects with stroke. A randomized controlled trial with 36 subjects with chronic stroke was conducted. Experimental group: TSCT, involving both UL and LL. global stretching, memory exercises, and education sessions. Both groups received 60 minute sessions/week over 12 weeks. Outcomes were measured at baseline, post-intervention and 16 week follow-up. No changes were found for primary and secondary outcomes (0.11≤p≤0.99), except for quality of life, which improved in the experimental group post-intervention and 16 week follow-up (p = 0.02). TSCT focused on both UL and LL was not effective on PA levels and mobility of individuals with chronic stroke, however, improvements in quality of life were observed. Since this is the first study to investigate this combined training aimed at improving PA levels, future studies are necessary to better understand the impact of this type of intervention.

Confiabilidade e validade concorrente da escala de mobilidade hospitalar em pacientes após acidente vascular cerebral

INTRODUÇÃO: A Escala de Mobilidade Hospitalar (EMH) avalia de forma específica a mobilidade de pacientes após AVC no ambiente hospitalar e em estudo prévio foi demonstrada a sua concordância interexaminadores, validade preditiva e a responsividade a mudanças na fase aguda. OBJETIVO: avaliar a validade concorrente da EMH e a sua confiabilidade ao ser aplicada através de entrevista. MATERIAIS E MÉTODOS: Trata-se de um estudo de validação, desenvolvido com pacientes internados em uma Unidade de AVC na cidade de Salvador-Bahia. Para avaliar a validade concorrente da EMH comparamos o seu escore com a pontuação da Escala de Rankin modificada utilizando o teste de Spearman. Ambas escalas foram aplicadas no quinto dia após o AVC pelo mesmo pesquisador, previamente treinado. Para avaliação da confiabilidade da EMH quando aplicada através de entrevista, a escala foi aplicada por dois examinadores em turnos diferentes, no mesmo dia. O primeiro examinador aplicou a escala através da observação do desempenho e o segundo examinador através de entrevista. Utilizamos para esta análise o Coeficiente de Correlação Intraclasse (CCI). RESULTADOS: A pontuação total da EMH apresentou uma correlação positiva muito forte com a ERm (r=0,90) e também foi encontrada uma correlação significativa entre os subitens da EMH e a ERm. Ao comparar a aplicação da EMH através da observação do desempenho e aplicação por entrevista, observamos uma excelente concordância interexaminadores (CCI &gt; 0,90). CONCLUSÃO: A Escala de Mobilidade Hospitalar, projetada especificamente para pacientes após AVC, mostrou um alto grau de validade concorrente e se mostrou confiável quando aplicada através de entrevista.

NURSING CARE IN MEETING PHYSICAL MOBILITY NEEDS INPATIENTS NON HEMORRHAGIC STROKE IN RSKD DADI MAKASSAR

Stroke is damage to brain tissue caused by a sudden reduction in or supply of oxygen in the blood. Brain tissue that has decreased oxygen supply will experience decreased function and cell death. The purpose of this study is to provide an overview of nursing care to meet the needs of physical mobility in stroke patients at RSKD Dadi Makassar. The study design was a case study in the form of a nursing care approach in two non-hemorrhagic stroke patients. The results showed both patients experienced weakness of the right limb which caused impaired physical mobility and total self-care deficit. Nursing interventions in patients include ambulation support, mobilization support, range of motion exercises and self-care assistance. Nurses should provide care and education to families about the care of stroke patients who experience physical mobility impairments and self-care deficits. Families also need to provide support to stroke patients undergoing treatment to increase motivation, speed up the recovery process and prevent complications.

THE USE OF FORCE PLATFORM FOR AFTER STROKE REHABILITATION

Aim. The article deals with searching for the new effective methods of physical rehabilitation in stroke patients. Materials and Methods. The program of physical rehabilitation involved 42 patients aged from 30 to 80 years with the consequences of ischemic stroke in the early reco­very period (up to six months), movement disorders, imbalances and postural disorders, reduced self-care capacity and mobility, reduced quality of life. The program included exercises with balancing platforms and training sessions on a force platform with biofeedback. Results. Comparative analysis revealed the positive dynamics of the balance function and balance when walking. The area of the center of pressure and its oscillations measured in the frontal and sagittal planes changed significantly, the velocity of the center of pressure, the maximum amplitude in the frontal plane, and the area of the statokinesiogram decreased. Conclusion. Comprehensive physical rehabilitation with balancing platforms and training on a force platform in the early recovery period helps to improve motor skills and balance, as well as to improve the quality of life and mobility of stroke patients.

Using an Accelerometer-Based Step Counter in Post-Stroke Patients: Validation of a Low-Cost Tool.

Monitoring the real-life mobility of stroke patients could be extremely useful for clinicians. Step counters are a widely accessible, portable, and cheap technology that can be used to monitor patients in different environments. The aim of this study was to validate a low-cost commercial tri-axial accelerometer-based step counter for stroke patients and to determine the best positioning of the step counter (wrists, ankles, and waist). Ten healthy subjects and 43 post-stroke patients were enrolled and performed four validated clinical tests (10 m, 50 m, and 6 min walking tests and timed up and go tests) while wearing five step counters in different positions while a trained operator counted the number of steps executed in each test manually. Data from step counters and those collected manually were compared using the intraclass coefficient correlation and mean average percentage error. The Bland–Altman plot was also used to describe agreement between the two quantitative measurements (step counter vs. manual counting). During walking tests in healthy subjects, the best reliability was found for lower limbs and waist placement (intraclass coefficient correlations (ICCs) from 0.46 to 0.99), and weak reliability was observed for upper limb placement in every test (ICCs from 0.06 to 0.38). On the contrary, in post-stroke patients, moderate reliability was found only for the lower limbs in the 6 min walking test (healthy ankle ICC: 0.69; pathological ankle ICC: 0.70). Furthermore, the Bland–Altman plot highlighted large average discrepancies between methods for the pathological group. However, while the step counter was not able to reliably determine steps for slow patients, when applied to the healthy ankle of patients who walked faster than 0.8 m/s, it counted steps with excellent precision, similar to that seen in the healthy subjects (ICCs from 0.36 to 0.99). These findings show that a low-cost accelerometer-based step counter could be useful for measuring mobility in select high-performance patients and could be used in clinical and real-world settings.

Oxygen Cost During Walking in Individuals With Stroke: Hemiparesis Versus Cerebellar Ataxia

Background. Understanding the factors that limit mobility in stroke patients is fundamental for proposing appropriate rehabilitation strategies. A high oxygen cost during walking (Cw) has a strong impact on the community ambulation of hemiparetic patients. The Cw in poststroke cerebellar ataxia is poorly evaluated, unlike hemiparetic gait. Objective. To compare the oxygen cost/self-selected walking speed (S) relationship in stroke individuals with cerebellar ataxia or hemiparetic gait. Methods. Thirty-three subjects were included (14 cerebellar stroke, 19 hemispheric stroke), with stroke confirmed by brain imaging and able to walk without human assistance. We measured Cw using the Metamax3B. The relationship between Cw and self-selected walking speed was modelled by logistic regression and then compared between the cerebellar and hemispheric groups. Results. No significant difference was found between the 2 groups for all characteristics of the population, except motor impairments, spasticity, and ataxia (P < .01). We identified 2 separate Cw/S relationships with different logistic regression equations for the 2 groups. Faster than 0.4 m s−1, Cw was 30.6% to 39.9% higher in patients with cerebellar stroke in comparison with hemispheric stroke individuals. The Cw was correlated with ataxia (r = 0.88; P < .001) in the cerebellar group, whereas there was a correlation with motor impairments (r = −0.61; P < .01), spasticity (r = 0.59; P < .01), and ataxia (r = 0.81; P < .01) in hemispheric stroke individuals. Conclusion. The Cw in poststroke cerebellar ataxia is significantly higher compared with hemiparetic patients at an equivalent walking speed. The impact on community walking needs to be explored in stroke survivors with cerebellar stroke.

The Influence of Feedback on Balance in Stroke Patients

Stroke has been recognized as one of the basic reasons what concerns illness, death-rate and long-term disability all over the world. Balance disorder is one of the most common disorders and one of the basic factors limiting the routine of cerebral stroke patients. Therefore the feedback is especially important to train balance in patients with the disorder to perceive their body position. The use of feedback provides patients with sensormotoric disorders ability to evaluate different physiological reactions better and to improve simetricity of their body position. There are expensive and complicated feedback-based platforms used to train balance, however, there was no evidence, whether a mirror – a simple and cheap means of feedback – equally influences the balance of stroke patients. Objectives: to assess the feedback influence on the balance of stroke patients. To evaluate the mobility of stroke patients before and after the physical therapy. To evaluate the static balance of stroke patients before and after the physical therapy To evaluate the dynamic balance of stroke patients before and after the physical therapy Methods and measures: The research was carried out from 2008–02–01 to 2009–02–02, in the 2nd Department of In-patient Rehabilitation (Centre of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Vilnius University Hospital Santariškių Klinikos). There were 40 cerebral stroke patients in the survey examined, who were selected according to the following criteria: • the first cerebral stroke, • ability to understand the tasks of the survey, • ability to stand 2 minutes without assistance, • ability to stand 30 seconds without assistance ant with eyes closed, • ability to step on and step off a stair individually or with observation, • stable state of the cardiovascular system The patients were divided into two groups randomly: group 1 (n = 20) consisted of the patients whose balance was trained using platform „MTD-balance“; group 2 (n = 20) consisted of the patients whose balance was trained using a mirror. During the survey all the patients underwent a specially created program of both general and special, aimed physical exercises. The program lasted 4 weeks (5 days a week, twice a day) and consisted of basic and functional procedures of physical therapy The functional state was evaluated at the time of patients’ arrival at the department of rehabilitation and 4 weeks later. The power of muscles was evaluated according to the 5 grade system of Lovett; sensations (surface and deep), muscular tone according the spastic scale of Ashworth; general mobility (5 classes according to the scale suggested by the European Federation for Research in Rehabilitation (EFRR), legs mobility (5 classes according to the scale suggested by the EFRR), dynamic balance was evaluated using the tests of Berg and „Stand and go“, static balance (sitting and standing, with eyes closed and eyes opened) was evaluated using the „MTD-balance“ system. Conclusions: 1. During the application of the 4-week program of physical exercises the mobility of the patients surveyed were improving. It was found, that the improvement of mobility was the same when using both „MTD-balance“platform and a mirror 2. The static balance improved using both „MTD-balance“platform and a mirror. However, using both „MTD-balance“platform as more effective in improving static balance when standing with closed eyes (p &lt; 0.05). 3. Better results of dynamic balance are achieved when balance is trained using the „MTD-balance“platform (p &lt; 0.05).Keywords: the stroke, balance, feedback