Published 2013-09-15
Keywords
- Postural stability,
- limits of stability,
- reaction time,
- movement velocity and stroke.
Abstract
Aim: To compare limits of stability (LOS) between stroke patients and control group and to evaluate the effects of balance training program on hemiplegic stroke patients.
Setting: Balance clinic, physical medicine and rehabilitation hospital, Kuwait.
Materials and Methods: A total of 36 ambulatory hemiplegic stroke patients and 34 age-matched healthy individuals as control group were recruited in this study. All patients and healthy individuals were evaluated by the LOS test.
Results: There were a significant increased RT (sec), a significant decreased MVL (deg/sec), a significant decreased EPE (%), a significant decreased MXE (%) and a significant decreased directional control(DCL) (%) in stroke patients compared to control group (p < 0.01). Moreover, a significant decreased RT, a significant increased MVL (deg/sec), a significant increased EPE (%) and a significant increased MXE(%) after training compared to results before training in stroke patients (p < 0.01). However, no significant difference of DCL (%) after training compared to results before training in stroke patients (p >0.05).
Conclusion: There were significantly worse in parameters of LOS test in stroke patients. Moreover, significant enhancement of some parameters of LOS test after training in stroke patients was found.