Effect of Balance Board Training with Tactile Stimulation on Affected Leg in Hemiplegic Patient

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of balance board training combined with tactile stimulation on the affected leg of hemiplegic patients in improving the ability of balance control. METHOD: Thirty hemiplegic patients participated. In the study group, two pieces of adhesive tapes were attached on the skin of affected lower leg. And then, they performed balance training on a balance board. The training was performed for 4 weeks. The control group received conventional gait training program for the same period. Subjects in both groups were tested for their balance control abilities using Balance Master before and after the training period. RESULTS: In the study group, there were statistically significant improvements in the abilities of the weight bearing, body sway control, and rhythmic weight shift (p<0.05) after balance board training. After the training, there were statistically significant differences in the abilities of weight bearing and rhythmic weight shift (p<0.05) between the two groups. CONCLUSION: The training with balance board combined with tactile stimulation to the affected leg and foot was proved to be effective for the treatment of balance control abilities in hemiplegic patients.