Measuring balance in stroke patients with tetra-ataxiametry and clinical balance scales / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

ABSTRACT

Objective To compare balance assessment with static balance measuring equipment and clinical balance measuring scales. Methods Seventy hemiplegic stroke patients ( the patient group) and 36 healthy volunteers (the controls) were recruited. Each subject's equilibrium was measured using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) ,the Fugl-Meyer Balance Scale (FM-B) and tetra-ataxiametry, all by the same therapist. Results The BBS and FM-B results both showed significant differences between the patient group and the control group. The data obtained through tetra-ataxiametric assessment showed that the average weight distribution index ( WDI ) and stability index (SI) were significantly lower in the patient group than among the controls. There was a strong correlation between the tetra-ataxiametric assessment results and the clinical balance test outcomes. The WDI and SI from tetra-ataxiametry were strongly correlated with Berg total static scores. Conclusions Tetra-ataxiametry and the BBS and FM-B tests can all effectively reflect the equilibrium of stroke patients. Tetra-ataxiametry can measure balance ability quantitatively, while the clinical balance tests ( BBS, FM-B) are easier to conduct.