Biofeedback for training of standing balance in post-stroke hemiparetic patients: a preliminary study

Abstract

Since balance dysfunction is frequent among poststroke hemiparetic patients, balance training is a fundamental goal in their rehabilitation. The purpose of this study was to assess the effects of biofeedback balance training on an unstable computerized platform in six hemiparetic patients (three men and three women, mean age 56,2 years old). Subjects were assessed, before and after treatment, as to functional mobility (by the timed up-and-go test, TUGT), functional reach, health-related quality of life (by the Nottingham health profile), and as to equilibrium on the unstable platform. The training on an unstable computerized platform took place along 23, 30-minute sessions for 8 weeks. Results showed significant improvement (p<0.001) in standing balance, of 119.1% with feet apart, and of 79.6% with feet together; a 15% increase (p<0.001) in functional reach; a 25.6% improvement in TUGT (p<0.001); and a slight improvement in self-reported quality of life. The program brought thus significant improvements for the sample studied, suggesting that the biofeedback balance training as here proposed may be a valuable tool in the rehabilitation of stroke hemiparetic patients.