The body balance training effect on improvement of motor functions in paretic extremities in patients after stroke. A randomized, single blinded trial

Objective: Study evaluates movement selectivity improvement in hemiparetic post-stroke patients after balance training. Methods: Study included 26 patients and 15 healthy subjects (control group C). Patients were divided into two groups with 20-day balance training (A) and without (B). Normal standing weight distribution was expressed in percentages, center of feet pressure (COP) sway velocities were evaluated in anterior-posterior and media-lateral (Y, X) directions for normal standing with eyes open and closed (EO, EC) and for tandem. Brunnstrom scale assessed movement selectivity. Results: Weight distribution dissymmetry (Delta 10%) was found. It was reduced (Delta 2%) after training in group A. COP were higher for X direction (+/- 6 mm/s vs +/- 12 mm/s) in normal standing. Difference (+/- 12 mm/s) was found for Y in tandem. Brunnstrom score increased in group A from 0.3 to 0.6. It was negatively correlated with average COP for EO and EC in Y and X and for tandem in X. Conclusion: Training reduces weight-bearing dissymmetry and improves movement selectivity. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.