Effectiveness of Perturbations Exercises in Improving Balance, Function and Mobility in Stroke Patients

Effectiveness of Perturbations Exercises in Improving Balance, Function and Mobility in Stroke Patients.

Following stroke, patients loses functions of the motor, sensory and higher brain cognitive faculties to various degrees which lead to diminished balance. It has been documented that hemiplegic or hemiparetic stroke patients presented with more posture sway, asymmetric weight distribution, impaired weight-shifting ability and decreased stability capability. There are many balance exercises and strategies; to improve balance in elderly age group population, to prevent fall prevention. But we have very few evidences of giving manual perturbation balance training in stroke patients to improve speed, balance and function. Therefore this study is taken up to examine whether the manual perturbation balance training is more effective in improving speed, balance and function in stroke patients.

There are many more studies done for elderly populations, normal individuals for improving balance by giving perturbation based balance training.All perturbation exercises are given by either mechanical or by self reaching tasks in forward,backward,and in both sideways. There are very studies ;who attempted perturbation based balance training to improve balance in elderly population but not for stroke patients for their Speed, Balance and Function.The manual perturbation exercise can be an promising intervention in the future for various conditions

Inclusion Criteria:

1. First ever stroke
2. Age ranges between 40-70
3. Both genders were included
4. Ambulatory patients with or without ambulatory aids
5. Occurrence of stroke at within 0-3 months i.e.-sub acute
6. Able to follow command
7. Mini mental scale examinations not less than 24

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients who has severe limitations in passive range of motion at lower extremities
2. Patients with impaired sensory, proprioceptor, cognitive and perceptual ability
3. Patient who has contracture
4. Orthopedic or any other neurological disorder which impair balance