Standing balance deficits are common after stroke. One way to address these deficits is to provide feedback from a force platform while balance activities are performed.

In this study by researchers at the Ankara Numune Education and Research Hospital in Turkey, combining balance training (using force platform biofeedback) with a conventional rehabilitation program did not provide additional benefits.

First, the details.

• 41 institutionalized older stroke patients with partial paralysis affecting only one side of the body were randomly assigned to treatment.
• The control group participated in a conventional stroke inpatient rehabilitation program.
• The experimental group received 15 sessions of balance training (using force platform biofeedback) in addition to the conventional program.

And, the results.

• Motor recovery, mobility, and activity level improved significantly in both groups.
• But there was no difference in improvement between groups.

The bottom line?
By comparison, a Cochrane review concluded, “Force platform feedback (visual or auditory) improved stance symmetry but not sway in standing, clinical balance outcomes or measures of independence.”

6/6/08 22:51 JR