Gaze stabilization exercises can improve balance after a stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe the effect of gaze stabilization exercises on the balance of stroke patients.Methods:Forty stroke patients were randomly divided into an experimental group ( n=20) and a control group ( n=20). Both groups were given conventional rehabilitation therapy, while the experimental group was additionally provided with gaze stabilization exercises, once a day, five days a week, for a total of four weeks. Each session lasted 30 minutes. Before and after the four weeks, both groups were evaluated in terms of their envelope ellipse area and the plantar pressure distribution on the affected side in static standing and using the anterior-posterior center of pressure displacement velocity (AP-COPV). They were also assessed using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the timed up-and-go test (TUGT), and the Activities-specific Balance Confidence Scale (ABC). Results:After the gaze stabilization exercises, the average envelope ellipse area, the plantar pressure distribution of the affected side with the eyes open and closed, AP-COPV, BBS score, TUGT time and ABC score of the experimental group were significantly superior to the control group′s averages and to the results four weeks previously.Conclusions:Gaze stabilization exercises can improve balance, weight shifting and one-leg standing after a stroke. That should enhance balance confidence and reduce the risk of falling.