Effects of the Balance Control of the Affected Lower Extremityon Balance and Gait in Hemiparetic Patients

ABSTRACT

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the effects of balance control of affected lower extremity on berg balance scale and gait in hemiparetic patients, using the newly developed balance control trainer of lower extremity. METHOD: Thirty five hemiparetic patients who could stand and ambulate more than 10 meters without assist on even surface were included in this study. The balance control trainer of lower extremity was designed to measure weight shift and knee flexion angle of hemiparetic side and to play a game named "Board cleaner" which use these data, so considering the vertical movement of the center of gravity. We measured above three parameters, and also evaluated with clinical tests including berg balance scale (BBS). We evaluated correlations between parameters on the balance control trainer of lower extremity and clinical parameters. RESULTS: Weight shifting to affected side statistically significantly correlated only with BBS. Affected knee flexion had statistically significant correlations with all clinical tests examined, especially 10 meters walking time (10mWT), timed up and go test (TUG), and BBS. Scores earned from board cleaner game also had statistically significant correlations with all clinical tests examined, especially 10mWT, TUG, and BBS. CONCLUSION: Correlation exists between the ability to control the affected knee measured by balance control trainer of lower extremity and clinical parameters including 10mWT, TUG, and BBS, so we think the balance control trainer can be a useful tool for the evaluation in hemiparetic patients.