[Effect of weight bearing symmetry modification on balance and gait function in individuals with chronic stroke]

ABSTRACT

The aim of this study was to assess the effect of compelled weight bearing with therapeutic exercise on functional test results of balance and gait in individuals with stroke. 32 hemi-paretic patients in experimental and control groups [16 patients in each group] participated in this study. Patients in the experimental group wore shoes for 6 weeks with a lift of 6 mm thickness embedded in non-paretic side to increase weight symmetry and performed balance and gait re-education exercises for 90 minutes daily. Patients of the control group only received therapeutic exercises. Assessments were included percentage of body weight on the affected limb, gait velocity; stride length, timed up and go and Berg Balance Scale tests that were recorded in both groups before and after treatment and 3 months after the end of treatment. All variables showed significant improvement following treatment and improvement effects were maintained during follow up examinations. In the experimental group, percentage of weight bearing on the paretic limb also increased significantly in follow up. The percentage of weight bearing on the paretic limb and BBS score increased more in the experimental group than in the control group [P=0.001]. Compelled weight bearing on the paretic limb and re-education of balance and gait caused more improvement in weight symmetry and functional balance in individuals with chronic stroke