Weight-Shift Training Improves Trunk Control, Proprioception, and Balance in Patients with Chronic Hemiparetic Stroke

Abstract

Trunk instability is one of main problems in survivors following stroke. We investigated the effects of weight-shift training (WST) on an unstable surface in sitting position on trunk control, proprioception, and balance in individuals with chronic hemiparetic stroke. Eighteen participants with chronic hemiparetic stroke were recruited and were allocated to either WST or control group. The WST group received a weight-shift training program for 30 min and then received a conventional exercise program for 30 min, while the control group received conventional exercise program for 60 min, five times a week for four weeks for both groups. In this randomized control study, we used three outcome measures: trunk reposition error (TRE), Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS), and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. TRE was measured by each participant's reposition error to the target angle during his/her active trunk movement. TIS and TUG were examined for trunk control abilities and dynamic balance abilities, respectively. After training, TRE showed significantly greater improvement in the WST group (mean change, 1.67 ± 1.45˚) than the control group (mean change, 0.08 ± 1.05˚). The TIS score was significantly higher in the WST group (mean change, 2.33 ± 1.50) than the control group (mean change, 0.13 ± 0.83). The TUG test also showed a significant improvement in the WST group (mean change, 5.03 ± 1.88 sec) than the control group (mean change, 2.59 ± 1.86 sec). Our findings indicate that weight-shift training is beneficial for improving trunk control and proprioception in patients with chronic hemiparetic stroke.

Effect of Virtual Reality on Postural and Balance Control in Patients with Stroke: A Systematic Literature Review

“…Several interventions regarding balance and trunk control had been investigated, including weight-shift training on an unstable surface [17], balance control training [18], and gait training with rhythmic auditory stimulation [19]. The majority of published studies reported positive results but traditional rehabilitation programmes tend to be tedious and resource-intensive and require specialized facilities or equipment [20–22].…”

Effects of Pedalo^® training on balance and fall risk in stroke patients

“…Jung et al separated 20 stroke patients into an experimental group and control group and provided treadmill training to the control group and vestibular stimulation training to the experimental group17 ) . In doing so, they showed that the BBS, which was determined using the biodex balance evaluation system, and the TUG test were significantly improved in the experimental group compared with the control group, with the exception of the static gait index.…”

“…Meanwhile, Hiroshige K et al found that the whole-body vibration exercise was more effective in balance control ability in older people17 ) .…”

Relationship between Pelvic Alignment and Weight-bearing Asymmetry in Community-dwelling Chronic Stroke Survivors

“…Trunk exercise protocol emphasizing the weight-shift training in patients with chronic stroke also showed beneficial effects on functional balance ability. [18]…”