Comparative Effects of Core Stabilization Exercises and Augmented Visual Feedback on Hip Strategy of Intact and Prosthetic Leg in Lower Limb Amputee

Backgroundand Aim: The lower limb amputees, due to the loss of limb, generally use hip strategy to control balance instead of ankle strategy. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of a lower limb training protocol consisting of core stabilization exercises with and without augmented visual feedback on balance control strategies of prosthetic leg and the sound leg in below knee amputees.
Based on the inclusion criteria, 21 amputees were invited to voluntarily take part in the current quasi-experimental study with pretest-posttest protocol. They were randomly divided into three groups of control, core stabilization exercises, and core stabilization exercises using augmented visual feedback. Involvement of hip strategy in the balance control of the groups, in the intact limb, and prosthetic limb were determined using Dynamic Computer Posturography.
The results of analysis of variances using repeated measures showed significant differences (p=0.001) between the hip strategy scores of intact limb and prosthetic limp after training interventions. Bonferroni post hoc test indicated higher average scores in both training groups compared with that for control group. Between two training groups, the group with augmented visual feedback showed even a better score (p=0.001) using hip strategies to control balance. The strategy in both legs for core stabilization exercise group with visual feedback was more efficient compared with core stability exercise group without feedback.
The results showed that core stabilization exercises can improve pelvic control strategy to maintain balance in the intact leg and prosthetic leg of thr amputee. Using augmented feedback will improve the strategy application even more.