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Effects of perceptual learning exercises on standing balance using a hardness discrimination task in hemiplegic
1Department of Physical Therapy, Kochi School of Allied Health and Medical Professions, Nagahama, Kochi, Japan. morioka@kochi-iryogakuin.com
Objective:
To investigate the effect of perceptual learning exercises for hardness discrimination by the soles on standing balance in stroke patients with hemiplegia.
Subjects:
Twenty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group and participated in a rehabilitation programme.
Intervention:
The experimental group received perceptual learning exercises on hardness discrimination using three different levels of hardness of a rubber sponge for 10 days.
Main Measures:
Length, enveloped area and rectangular area of the parameter of postural sway were measured by a stabilometer on entry into the study and after 10 days.
Results:
Twenty-six subjects completed the study. Data indicate that more parameters indicating postural sway were significantly decreased in the experimental group than in the control group. Also, there was a significant difference between the groups in change scores (pre-exercise minus post-exercise) of length and enveloped area.
Conclusion:
The plantar perception exercise used as a method in this study is considered to be effective as a supplemental exercise for standing balance. The possibility of clinical application using the hardness discrimination task with rubber as a balance exercise is therefore suggested.