Post-stroke balance training: Role of force platform with visual feedback technique

Objective: To evaluate the role of balance training on Force Platform with Visual Feedback technique (FPVF) in improving balance and functional outcome in chronic stroke survivors. Design: Prospective, repeated measure study. Settings: Neurological rehabilitation department of a tertiary research center. Participants: First episode of supra-tentorial stroke with more than 3 months duration, ability to follow 3 step commands, and impaired balance and gait with ability to walk independently or with one person support (Functional Ambulation Category II-IV). Interventions: Training on "Balance Master" for 20 sessions (20 min/day, 5 days/week for 4 weeks). Outcome measures: Balance on Berg Balance Scale, Balance Index and Limits of Stability scores, walking ability on over ground walking speed, and functional ability on Barthel Index. Evaluation was done pre- and post-training and at 3 months follow-up. Statistical analysis was done by Paired t test on SPSS 13.0. Results: Forty five patients (M:W: 36:9, age range: 22-65 years, mean post-stroke duration of 16.51 +/- 15.14 months) were included. Forty (89.9%) subjects completed training and all primary and secondary outcome measures showed statistically significant improvement (p < 0.000) at the end of training. Thirty-four (75.6%) subjects were followed up and statistically significant improvement (p < 0.000) was maintained for all outcome measures. Conclusion: Balance training by FPVF technique significantly improves balance and functional outcome even in chronic phase after stroke. Large scale, controlled studies are recommended. (C) 2009 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.