Comparison between " Conventional Physical Therapy" and " Conventional Physical Therapy with Visual Biofeedback" on Static Postural Stability after Stroke

Standing balance deficits are common in hemiplegic patients after stroke. One method to treat these deficits is to provide the patient with visual feedback while balance activities are performed. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of using visual biofeedback with conventional physical therapy on static postural stability following stroke.

This randomized clinical trial included 32 patients (11 females and 21 males) with hemiplegia secondary to stroke. These patients were randomly assigned in two groups; control and experimental groups. These groups were matched for age, weight and height. Patients were tested using Equitest (amplitude of postural sway) and two digital weight scales (symmetry) before, 6 sessions and 12 sessions after physical therapy intervention. The trained group received visual biofeedback from Biodex Balance System combined with conventional physical therapy whereas the control group performed conventional physical therapy without biofeedback.

Significant improvements in static stroke balance measurements were found in trained group. In trained group, symmetry of weight bearing was increased (P = 0.008) and postural sway was decreased (P = 0.03).

This study revealed that visual biofeedback training with conventional physical therapy improved proprioception and decreased hemineglect effects in stroke patients. Improved proprioception resulted in symmetry and decreased sway, subsequently increased static balance in stroke patients.