Effects of Cognitive Sensory Motor Training on Lower Extremity Muscle Strength and Balance in Post Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Study

Abstract

Background: Sensory motor impairment, the most common neuromuscular condition in stroke patients, often contributes to muscle weakness and imbalance. Objective: The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of cognitive sensory-motor training (CSMT) on the muscle strength and balance ability in post-stroke patients. Methods: Thirty-five participants after stroke were randomly assigned to the CSMT (n = 17) or control group (n = 18). All participants received 30 min of training each time, five times per week, for six weeks. Lower extremity muscle strength of tibialis anterior (LEMTA) was evaluated using a digital muscular dynamometer. The Medical Research Council (MRC) scale was used to evaluate muscle strengths of the hip joint, knee joint, and ankle joint. For balance ability test, the center of pressure (COP) movement distance and limited of stability (LOS) were measured using BioRescue. Results: LEMTA, MRC scale, balance ability were significantly more improved in the CSMT group than in the control group (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Our findings indicate that CSMT is beneficial and effective for improving muscle strength of the lower extremity and balance ability of post-stroke patients.

I-BaR: integrated balance rehabilitation framework

“…Impairments in this function negatively affect the ability to perceive, distinguish, and recognize the senses in the body (Aries et al, 2021 ). Consequently, disorientation accompanied by abnormal movements, balance disorders, muscle weakness, and inability to maintain postural control (stabilize the body against gravity and perturbation) may occur (Kim and Jang, 2021 ). For instance, it is reported that post-stroke individuals experience high rates of somatosensory impairment, ranging between 65% and 85% (Costantino et al, 2017 ).…”

Effects of mirror therapy on spasticity and sensory impairment after stroke: Systematic review and meta‐analysis

“…1 Brain damage caused by stroke induces motor and sensory impairment (defined as loss of somatic sensations, ie, body senses such as touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception), which affects physical function 2 and, therefore, quality of life, 3 depending on the area and degree of injury. 4 Several motor symptoms may appear in people who have experienced a cerebrovascular accident with varying prevalence (eg, clonus, increased tendon reflexes, extensor/flexor spasms, spastic co-contraction, dystonia, fatigability, or spasticity). 5 Spasticity during active or passive movements 5 has been reported in 4%-46% of patients with stroke, 6,7 often inducing pain and tendon retractions.…”

“…The incidence of stroke is increasing worldwide and constitutes the third leading cause of disability 1 . Brain damage caused by stroke induces motor and sensory impairment (defined as loss of somatic sensations, ie, body senses such as touch, temperature, pain, and proprioception), which affects physical function 2 and, therefore, quality of life, 3 depending on the area and degree of injury 4 …”