Yun shou tai chi with visual feedback can improve the balance of stroke survivors / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective:To observe any effect of Yun shou tai chi training with visual feedback on the balance of persons who have survived a stroke.Methods:Fifty-six stroke survivors were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group, each of 28. Both groups were given routine balance function training, while the observation group was additionally given Yun shou tai chi training with visual feedback. Before and after the four weeks of training, the subjects′ balance and posture were evaluated using a Nomex visual feedback balance system. Lower limb strength was evaluated with a microFET2 portable muscle strength tester. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUGT), 10-metre walk times (10MWTs) and the modified Barthel Index (MBI) were also applied.Results:After the training the average BBS, TUGT, 10MWT and MBI results of the observation group had improved significantly. Among the control group only TUGT times and MBI scores had improved significantly, but even then the average MBI score of the observation group was significantly higher. The training improved the strength of the trainees′ quadriceps femoris (QUA), tibialis anterior (TA) and gastrocnemius (GAS) on the hemiplegic side. Their hamstrings and GAS on the non-hemiplegic side were also significantly stronger, on average. The improvement in the QUA of the hemiplegic side in the observation group was significantly better than the control group′s average improvement. The path length (PL) and the covered area (CA) in the observation group had decreased significantly after the training, while among the controls only the CA had decreased significantly. The average PL in the observation group was therefore significantly shorter than in the control group.Conclusion:Yun shou tai chi training with visual feedback can promote the recovery of balance function after a stroke. Such training is worthy of clinical promotion and application.