An efficacy study on improving balance and gait in subacute stroke patients
by balance training with additional motor imagery: a pilot study |
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| Authors: | Young-Hyeon Bae YoungJun Ko HyunGeun Ha So Yeon Ahn WanHee Lee Suk Min Lee |
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| Institution: | 1) Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Samsung Medical Center, Republic of Korea;2) Department of Physical Therapy, Angelo State University, USA;3) Department of Physical Therapy, Sahmyook University: 26-21 Gongneung 2-dong, Nowon-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea. |
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| Abstract: | Purpose] The few studies conducted on subacute stroke patients have focused only on gait
function improvement. This study therefore aimed to confirm the effect of balance training
with additional motor imagery on balance and gait improvement in subacute stroke patients.
Subjects and Methods] Participants were divided into an experimental or control group.
The experimental group received balance training for 20 minutes/day with mental imagery
for 10 minutes/day, three days/week, for four weeks. The control group received only
balance training for 30 minutes. Before and after the 12 sessions, balance and gait
ability were assessed by the researcher and a physical therapist. Results] After
completion of the 4-week intervention, Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go test,
Functional Reach Test, and Four Square Step test scores significantly increased in the
experimental group. In the control group, Berg Balance Scale and Functional Reach Test
scores significantly improved. Changes in the Timed Up and Go test, Functional Reach Test,
and Four Square Step Test scores after intervention were significantly higher in the
experimental than in the control group. Conclusion] Specific balance training with
additional motor imagery may result in better rehabilitation outcomes of gait and balance
ability than balance training alone.Key words: Balance, Gait, Motor imagery |
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