Effects of Lower Limb Proprioceptive Training on Balance and Trunk Control Among the Adult Stroke Population

Background and objective Balance and trunk control are major concerns among older adults during stroke rehabilitation. Loss of proprioception in the affected limb has a greater influence on motor learning and reeducation during balance training. Available studies stress the relevance of strength and functional training in regaining balance and trunk control. Proprioception training, in addition to available rehabilitation, can optimize the balance among this population. Our study aimed to find out the effects of proprioceptive training on balance and trunk control among the chronic stroke population. Methodology Out of 45 subjects enrolled at the Indian Head Injury Foundation, New Delhi, India, 30 subjects were selected based on selection criteria and randomized into two groups using the chit method, with 15 subjects in each group. The control group received conventional training, which included a range of motion, stretching, and strengthening exercises, while the intervention group received additional proprioceptive training five days per week for four consecutive weeks. Subjects were assessed on the Berg Balance Scale and Trunk Control Test for balance and trunk control on day one and after four weeks. A paired t-test was used to analyze the difference within the groups, and unpaired t-tests were used between the groups, keeping p < 0.05 as a significance level. Results After four weeks of intervention, statistically significant improvements were seen in the balance and trunk control groups, with p < 0.05 in both groups. However, a significant improvement in balance was observed in the experimental group when compared across groups (p = 0.001), whereas no statistically significant improvement in trunk control was found (p = 0.061). Conclusion We conclude that proprioceptive training and conventional physiotherapy both help to improve balance. Proprioceptive training is better for improving balance, but it has no significant effects on trunk control. It is likely that an extended intervention time or a different form of intervention may be required to achieve substantial gains in these areas. Future research might look at other outcome measures or the impacts of other types of therapies to see which ones are most helpful at increasing trunk control.