Investigation of the Relationship Between Plantar Sensation, Lower Extremity Position Sense, and Weight-Bearing Asymmetry With Posture, Balance, and Mobility in Individuals With Chronic Stroke
Investigation of the Relationship Between Plantar Sensation, Lower Extremity Position Sense, and Weight-Bearing Asymmetry With Posture, Balance, and Mobility in Individuals With Chronic Stroke
This study aims to examine how sensory deficits and weight-bearing asymmetry affect posture, balance, and mobility in individuals with chronic stroke. The research focuses on evaluating the relationships between plantar foot sensation, lower extremity position sense, and asymmetrical weight distribution with functional abilities such as walking and postural control.
Participants will undergo non-invasive assessments, including sensation tests, mobility and balance evaluations, and postural measurements. A total of 24 individuals with chronic stroke who are receiving physiotherapy at a rehabilitation center in Konya, Türkiye, will be included.
The results of this observational, cross-sectional study may contribute to a better understanding of the sensory-motor interactions in stroke survivors and support the development of more targeted rehabilitation strategies.
Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability and functional impairment worldwide. Chronic stroke survivors often experience sensory deficits, particularly in the plantar surface of the foot and in lower limb proprioception. These impairments may contribute to asymmetrical weight-bearing, postural instability, and reduced mobility, all of which can negatively impact independence and quality of life.
This observational, cross-sectional study is designed to explore the associations between sensory functions (plantar sensation and lower extremity position sense), weight-bearing asymmetry, and functional outcomes including posture, balance, and walking ability. The study will be conducted on 24 individuals diagnosed with chronic stroke who are currently receiving physiotherapy as part of a personalized rehabilitation program.
All participants will be evaluated using standardized clinical assessment tools commonly employed in neurorehabilitation. These include the Semmes-Weinstein Monofilament Test for plantar sensation, a clinical position sense test for proprioception, dual-scale measurements for weight-bearing asymmetry, and functional tests such as the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (PASS-T), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), STREAM mobility subtests, Berg Balance Scale, Tinetti Performance-Oriented Mobility Assessment, and the Activity-Specific Balance Confidence Scale.
By identifying the relationships among sensory deficits, postural control, and functional mobility, the findings of this study may provide valuable insights for physiotherapists and rehabilitation teams in designing more effective, individualized treatment plans for chronic stroke patients.
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