Effects of Compelled Weight Shift on Balance Ability in Patients with Stroke

Son, Sung Min

Abstract

PURPOSE
This study aimed to investigate the effects of compelled weight shift in paretic lower limb training on balance ability in patients with stroke.
METHODS
Thirty-six individuals with hemiparesis, who were randomly assigned to a 10CWST (10 mm constrained -weight shift training) group, a 5CWST (5 mm constrained-weight shift training) group, and a control group participated in this study. Compelled weight shift training was performed in 3 sets of 5 min with a rest period of 1 min between sets. Both the 5CWST and 10CWST groups performed 5 times per week for 4 weeks. Static (mediolateral and anteroposterior sway velocities) and dynamic balance (mediolateral and anteroposterior distances) was assessed using the Good Balance system.
RESULTS
Significant differences were found in the M-L and A-P sway velocities, and the M-L sway distance. The M-L and A-P sway velocities, and M-L sway distance showed significantly large group effects (p < 0.05), time effects (p < 0.05), and group-by-time interaction (p < 0.05). The post hoc analyses indicated that, following intervention, the 10CWST group showed more significant changes in the M-L and A-P sway velocities, and the M-L sway distance than the control group.
CONCLUSION
These results suggest that the use of compelled weight shift in paretic lower limb training may be an effective method to improve balance ability in patients with stroke.