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. 2021 May 27;24(3):211-217.
doi: 10.1298/ptr.E10081. eCollection 2021.

Stroke Patients Showed Improvements in Balance in Response to Visual Restriction Exercise

Shima Jandaghi  1 , Nahid Tahan  2 , Alireza Akbarzadeh Baghban  3 , Maryam Zoghi  4
Affiliations

Stroke Patients Showed Improvements in Balance in Response to Visual Restriction Exercise

Shima Jandaghi et al. Phys Ther Res. .

Abstract

Objective: Several strategies have been designed to improve balance after stroke. Although recent studies have suggested that the balance training in stroke should include exercises that are performed in different sensory conflict conditions, little attention has been paid to manipulation of visual input. This study aimed to compare effects of balance training on an unstable surface with balance training under visual deprivation conditions in persons with stroke.

Method: Forty-five stroke patients were randomized into three groups: the visual deprivation- stable based training (VD-SBT); unstable based training (UBT); and control (C) groups. Subjects of the VD-SBT group performed balance training on a stable surface with closed eyes. The UBT group performed balance training on an unstable surface with open eyes. Patients were assessed before and after interventions for Timed Up and Go (TUG), Four Square Step (FSS) and Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSS) tests.

Result: There was a significant difference in pre- post intervention time of TUG, FSS and FTSS tests in all three groups. In a comparison of three groups, the UBT and VD-SBT groups had a significant improvement in time of all tests but significant improvement in time of all tests was observed in the VD-SBT group in comparison with the UBT group. In the field of balance training, the manipulation of visual input was more effective than the manipulation of standing surface to reweighting the sensory information.

Conclusion: We recommended balance rehabilitation programs after stroke performed under conditions to stimulate the use of underused sensory input.

Keywords: Balance training; Sensory integration; Stroke; Visual deprivation.

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Conflict of interest statement

There is no conflict of interest to disclose.

Figures

Fig. 1.
Fig. 1.
Participant in the UBT group performing balance training on a balance pad: (a) Weight shift side to side. (b) Heel raises (c) Toe raises (d) One leg standing.
Fig. 2.
Fig. 2.
Flow diagram of the study participants.
Fig. 3.
Fig. 3.
Group*Time interaction effect on TUG (a), FSS (b) and FTSS (c). After intervention, VD-SBT group showed a significant decreased in TUG, FSS and FTSS times with respect to UBT and control groups.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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