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A Human-machine-interface Integrating Low-cost Sensors with a Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation System for Post-stroke Balance Rehabilitation
Published on: April 12, 2016
Rehabilitation of postural stability in ataxic/hemiplegic patients after stroke
Filipa Januário1, Inês Campos, Carla Amaral
1Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Coimbra University Hospital, Coimbra, Portugal. fajanuario@gmail.com
Purpose:
This study assesses the postural stability and the effect of balance training using a force platform visual biofeedback among outpatients with postural disturbances following stroke.
Method:
A tilting multiaxial force platform was used to assess bilateral postural stability in 38 outpatients (mean age 69.50 +/- 8.57 years) with hemiplegia and/or ataxia after stroke. Stability indexes were obtained. Afterwards, a subgroup of 12 patients with the poorest overall stability index (OASI) started a balance training programme in the force platform. Postural control training consisted of a 30-min training session once a week for a 15-week period. The test was then repeated.
Results:
In the 38 outpatients sample, the mean OASI was 4.7 +/- 2.0 and 42.1% of the patients used their hands for support. In the 12 outpatients group, the initial OASI was 5.8 +/- 2.3 and half of the patients used their hands for support. The final OASI was 3.3 +/- 1.0 (p = 0.005) and only two of the patients used their hands for support (p = 0.046).
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that a training programme using force platform visual biofeedback improves objective measures of bilateral postural stability in patients with hemiplegia and/or ataxia after stroke.