Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 6, 2026
A Vibrotactile Feedback Device for Seated Balance Assessment and Training
Published on: January 20, 2019
Does perturbation-based balance training prevent falls among individuals with chronic stroke? A randomised controlled
Avril Mansfield1,2,3, Anthony Aqui1, Cynthia J Danells1,3
1Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, University Health Network, Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
Objectives:
No intervention has been shown to prevent falls poststroke. We aimed to determine if perturbation-based balance training (PBT) can reduce falls in daily life among individuals with chronic stroke.
Design:
Assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial.
Setting:
Two academic hospitals in an urban area.
Interventions:
Participants were allocated using stratified blocked randomisation to either 'traditional' balance training (control) or PBT. PBT focused on improving responses to instability, whereas traditional balance training focused on maintaining stability during functional tasks. Training sessions were 1 hour twice/week for 6 weeks. Participants were also invited to complete 2 'booster' training sessions during the follow-up.
Participants:
Eighty-eight participants with chronic stroke (>6 months poststroke) were recruited and randomly allocated one of the two interventions. Five participants withdrew; 42 (control) and 41 (PBT group) were included in the analysis.
Primary And Secondary Outcome Measures:
The primary outcome was rate of falls in the 12 months post-training. Negative binomial regression was used to compare fall rates between groups. Secondary outcomes were measures of balance, mobility, balance confidence, physical activity and social integration.
Results:
PBT participants reported 53 falls (1.45 falls/person-year) and control participants reported 64 falls (1.72 falls/person-year; rate ratio: 0.85(0.42 to 1.69); p=0.63). Per-protocol analysis included 32 PBT and 34 control participants who completed at least 10/12 initial training sessions and 1 booster session. Within this subset, PBT participants reported 32 falls (1.07 falls/person-year) and control participants reported 57 falls (1.75 falls/person-year; rate ratio: 0.62(0.29 to 1.30); p=0.20). PBT participants had greater improvement in reactive balance control than the control group, and these improvements were sustained 12 months post-training. There were no intervention-related serious adverse effects.
Conclusions:
The results are inconclusive. PBT may help to prevent falls in daily life poststroke, but ongoing training may be required to maintain the benefits.
Trial Registration Number:
ISRCTN05434601; Results.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
01:25Acid-Base Balance
When the pH of arterial blood rises above 7.45, it results in a condition called alkalosis. Conversely, a drop below 7.35 leads to...
01:18Respiratory Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
When carbon dioxide levels increase in the blood, more H+ and HCO3⁻ are...
01:29Disorders of Acid-Base Balance
Respiratory Acidosis and Alkalosis
Respiratory acidosis occurs due to an increase in the partial pressure of carbon dioxide PCO2 in the blood. It often arises from shallow breathing or impaired gas exchange caused by...
01:05Free-falling Bodies: Example
The...
01:29Renal Regulation of Acid-Base Balance
In the kidneys, cells within the proximal convoluted tubules (PCT) and the collecting ducts secrete hydrogen ions (H+) into the tubular fluid. Specifically, in the PCT, Na+/H+ antiporters secrete H+ while reabsorbing Na+.
However, the intercalated cells in...
02:58Balancing Redox Equations