Effect of Dynamic Balance Training Using Visual Biofeedback of Center of Pressure in Patients with Stroke

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effect of dynamic balance training with center of pressure (COP) games using visual biofeedback of COP movement in stroke patients. METHOD: Thirty-eight stroke patients were randomly as signed to the static or dynamic balance training group, or control group. Static group received weight-shift training with visual biofeedback of weight distribution bar. Dynamic group received dynamic balance training using COP games. Each training session lasted 30 minutes, 3 times in a week during 3 weeks. Control group received traditional rehabilitation only. The ability of balance control was assessed using posturography by total path distance, frequency of sway, and COP weight-spectrums during standing, and during presentation of virtual moving surround. Total patherror was also assessed during sine curve and dynamic circle trace test. RESULTS: In static group, there were significant improvement in the total path distance during comfortable standing and path error during sine curve tracing. In dynamic group, significant improvements were found in the path error during sine curve and dynamic circle tracing. CONCLUSION: Dynamic training group showed more improvement in dynamic balance ability, whereas static group showed more changes in the static balance ability. The visual biofeedback training is more specified for balance rehabilitation in stroke patients.

Visual Biofeedback Balance Training Using COBETS

The purpose of this study is to clarify the clinical usefulness of Computerized Balance Evaluation and Training System(COBETS) in treating the patients with balance disturbance. Twenty- three patients who received rehabilitative management due to their balance disturbance after brain damage were treated either by conventional physical therapy(PT) or by visual biofeedback balance training(VBBT) using COBETS for 4 weeks. The static and dynamic postural balance were evaluated at pre- and post-treatment conditions using COBETS balance assessment software. The neurologic and functional assessment and somatosensory evoked potential study were performed as well. Comparing with the control group, the patients treated by VBBT showed significantly improved static and dynamic postural control.