ABSTRACT
Objective:To observe any effect of tactile vibration feedback training on the balance and wal-king ability of stroke survivors.Methods:Fifty stroke survivors who met the selection criteria were randomly divided into a control group ( n=25) and an observation group ( n=25). In addition to conventional exercise training, neuromuscular electrical stimulation and biofeedback therapy, the control group underwent one hour of walking training daily, 5 days a week for 6 weeks, while the observation group received tactile vibration feedback training with the same timetable. Before and after the treatment, lower limb motor function was evaluated using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test and the Fugl-Meyer lower extremity assessment (FMA-LE). A Gaitrite analyzer recorded the gait parameters of the two groups. The step length on the unaffected side was recorded and the duration of the single support phase was compared between the affected and healthy sides. Results:Before the treatment, there was no significant difference between the two groups in average step length on the unaffected side or in the difference in duration of the single support phase between the affected and healthy sides. The average BBS scores, TUG test times and FMA-LE scores also were not significantly different. After the treatment all of those indicators were significantly better in the treatment group, on average.Conclusions:Tactile vibration feedback training can significantly improve the balance and walking ability of stroke survivors during the recovery period, and lower their risks of falling.