Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 29, 2026
A Human-machine-interface Integrating Low-cost Sensors with a Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation System for Post-stroke Balance Rehabilitation
Published on: April 12, 2016
Tongue-based biofeedback for balance in stroke: results of an 8-week pilot study
Mary Beth Badke1, Jack Sherman, Pierce Boyne
1Department of Orthopedics and Rehabilitation, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA. mbadke5@aol.com
Objective:
To assess balance recovery and quality of life after tongue-placed electrotactile biofeedback training in patients with stroke.
Design:
Prospective multicenter research design.
Setting:
Outpatient rehabilitation clinics.
Participants:
Patients (N=29) with chronic stroke.
Interventions:
Patients were administered 1 week of therapy plus 7 weeks of home exercise using a novel tongue based biofeedback balance device.
Main Outcome Measures:
The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go (TUG), Activities-Specific Balance Confidence (ABC) Scale, Dynamic Gait Index (DGI), and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) were performed before and after the intervention on all subjects.
Results:
There were statistically and clinically significant improvements from baseline to posttest in results for the BBS, DGI, TUG, ABC Scale, and some SIS domains (Mobility, Activities of Daily Living/Instrumental Activities of Daily Living, Social, Physical, Recovery domains). Average BBS score increased from 35.9 to 41.6 (P<.001), and DGI score, from 11.1 to 13.7 (P<.001). Time to complete the TUG decreased from 24.7 to 20.7 seconds (P=.002). Including the BBS, DGI, TUG, and ABC Scale, 27 subjects improved beyond the minimal detectable change with 95% certainty (MDC-95) or minimal clinically important difference (MCID) in at least 1 outcome and 3 subjects improved beyond the MDC-95 or MCID in all outcomes.
Conclusions:
Electrotactile biofeedback seems to be a promising integrative method to balance training. A future randomized controlled study is needed.