Severly affected patients in the subacute phase post stroke that are unable to walk without the help of one or two therapists to assist for balance and weight-carrying. Participants were able to sit independently for two minutes. Participants post stroke performed limits of stability testing in sitting, and tests for trunk control and functional balance.

Healthy control subjects who matched patients post stroke for age and gender, and had no limitations to perform measurements. Healthy controls performed limits of stability measurements and a clinical measurements for balance.

An in-patient multi-disciplinary stroke rehabilitation program was performed.

The centre of pressure(COP) movement is measured while the patient is seated on a force platform and is asked by the software that is projected on a screen, to lean with the trunk in a certain direction and hold this position before going back to the starting position. The COP distance between start and end position is calculated, as well as the COP length of the trajectory that it takes the participant to reach his or her maximum leaning position.

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is used to assess functional balance. The scale consists of 14 items, for each item the minimum score is 0 points, the maximum score is 4 points. A total amount of 56 points can be achieved on the Berg Balance Scale which indicates a normal balance for adults. A score lower than 45 points in elderly indicates that individuals may be at greater risk of falling.

The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) assesses static and dynamic sitting balance and coordination of trunk movement. The test consists of 17 items with a minimum score of 0 and a maximum score of 23 points, which is calculated by adding up the scores from the subscales (0-7 Points for static sitting Balance, 0-10 Points for dynamic sitting Balance, 0-6 Points for coordination), with a higher scores for better trunk control.

The Trunk Control Tests consists of four items with a maximum score of 100 points. The patient is asked to turn in bed, come from lying to sitting at the bedside and stay seated at the bedside. A higher score shows better functioning.