The effects of Equal Weight Bearing Sit-to-Stand Exercise Program on Balance in Stroke Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Abstract

Objective: To determine the effectiveness of routine physical therapy with and without equal weight bearing sit to standexercise program on balance in stroke patients. Study Design: Randomized Clinical trial (IRCT-50122) Place and Duration of Study: Physiotherapy department of University of Lahore Teaching Hospital, Omer Medical Centre,Lahore and Yaseen Medical Centre, Lahore Pakistan from Nov 2019 to Jun 2020. Methodology: The 24 participants with sub-acute stroke aged 40-60 years were divided randomly using lottery method, into two equal groups of 12 each. A random number table was generated using computer. All random numbers were kept in a sealed envelope. For each patient a sealed envelope was opened and according to mentioned number, group was allocated. The assessment was done before treatment, at 4th week and after 8th week of intervention. Control Group received the 3 sessions per week of routine physical therapy treatment. Experimental Group received 3 sessions per week of routine physical therapy with equal weight bearing sit-to-stand exercise. Results: Control Group consist of 12 stroke patients, out of which had 5(41.7%) hemorrhagic while 7(58.3%) had ischemic stroke. In Experimental Group, there were 2(16.7%) hemorrhagic while 10(83.3%) stroke patients. According to p-value=0.001 for factor significant improvement was seen in berg balance scale total score from baseline till 2nd follow up. Conclusion: This study concluded that equal weight bearing sit to stand exercise program with routine physiotherapy was aneffective treatment to improve balance in sub-acute stroke patients as compared to the only routine physiotherapy.