Effects of trunk stabilization exercises using laser pointer visual feedback in patients with chronic stroke: A randomized controlled study

Advances in balance training to prevent falls in stroke patients: a scoping review

Objective

To summarize the status and characteristics of the available evidence, research gaps, and future research priorities for preventing falls in stroke patients through balance training.

Methods

We used a scoping review framework. A systematic search of PUBMED, Embase, and Cochrane databases for main articles was conducted. Our study only included articles that on balance training and fall-related indicators in stroke patients. Two researchers independently screened the literature according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria. The data of demographic, clinical characteristics, intervention, sample, and outcome indicators were extracted. The characteristics and limitations of the included literature were comprehensively analyzed.

Results

Of the 1,058 studies, 31 were included. The methods of balance training include regular balance training, Tai Chi, Yoga, task balance training, visual balance training, multisensory training, aquatic balance training, perturbation-based balance training, cognitive balance training, system-based balance training, and robot-assisted balance training. The commonly used outcome measures include clinical balance test, such as Berg balance scale (BBS), Timed Up-and-Go Test (TUG), Fall Risk Index assessment (FRI), Fall Efficacy Scale score (FES), and instrumented balance tests.

Conclusion

This scoping review summarizes the existing primary research on preventing falls in stroke patients by balance training. Based on the summary of the existing evidence, the characteristics of balance training and their relation to falls in stroke patients were found. The future researches should explore how to develop personalized training program, the sound combination of various balance training, to more effectively prevent falls.

Effect of Balance Training in Sitting Position Using Visual Feedback on Balance and Gait Ability in Chronic Stroke Patients

Chronic stroke often results in balance and gait impairments, significantly impacting patients' quality of life. The purpose of this study was to investigate whether the combined effect of unstable surface balance training and visual feedback, based on proprioceptive neuromuscular stimulation in patients with chronic stroke, is effective in restoring balance and gait ability. A total of 39 chronic stroke patients were randomly assigned to a visual feedback combined with unstable surface balance training group (VUSBG), an unstable surface balance training group (USBG), or a conventional physical therapy group (CG). This study was conducted with the Trunk Impairment Scale, the Bug Balance Scale, the Timed Get Up and Go Test, and Gait Analysis. VUSBG and USBG improved function and gait (stride length and hip/knee flexion angle), but there was no significant difference in the CG group. Specific results showed that the stride length in the VUSBG improved by 25% (p < 0.05), and the hip/knee flexion angle improved by 18% (p < 0.05). The post-hoc analysis revealed that VUSBG had a greater impact on the hip/knee flexion angle relative to the other two groups, as well as gait velocity and stride length relative to CG. Visual feedback complex exercise based on the principle of proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation could be an intervention strategy to improve gait speed, trunk stability, and mobility in chronic stroke patients.