Efficacy of Sensory Reweighting Techniques for Balance and Risk of Fall in Chronic Ischemic Stroke Patients
Efficacy of Sensory Reweighting Techniques for Balance and Risk of Fall in Chronic Ischemic Stroke Patients
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of sensory reweighting techniques on balance and risk of falls in individuals with chronic ischemic stroke. A total of 46 participants will be recruited using purposive sampling and randomly assigned into two groups through the sealed envelope method. Balance and fall risk will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go test at baseline and after completion of the intervention. Participants in the experimental group will receive sensory reweighting-based balance training three times per week for eight weeks, incorporating altered sensory conditions such as reduced visual input, unstable surfaces, and vestibular challenges. The control group will receive conventional balance training of similar duration and intensity without sensory manipulation. Both groups will also receive standard physiotherapy throughout the intervention period. Ethical approval will be obtained prior to data collection, written informed consent will be secured from all participants, and confidentiality and voluntary participation will be ensured.
This study will be conducted as a randomized controlled trial to investigate the efficacy of sensory reweighting techniques in improving balance and reducing the risk of falls among patients with chronic ischemic stroke. Following ethical approval, participants will be recruited from selected rehabilitation centers using a non-probability purposive sampling technique. A total of 46 eligible participants, including an allowance for dropout, will be enrolled and randomly allocated into experimental and control groups using the sealed envelope method to ensure unbiased group assignment. Individuals aged 40-60 years with a stroke duration of more than six months, adequate cognitive function, and the ability to stand and walk with or without assistive devices will be included.
Baseline data will be collected prior to intervention using standardized outcome measures. Balance performance will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale, a validated tool consisting of 14 functional tasks that evaluate postural control and balance during daily activities. Risk of falls will be measured using the Timed Up and Go test, which assesses functional mobility by recording the time taken to stand from a chair, walk a short distance, turn, return, and sit down. Demographic and clinical information such as age, gender, duration of stroke, use of assistive devices, and fall history will also be documented.
Participants allocated to the experimental group will undergo a structured sensory reweighting balance training program aimed at enhancing the central nervous system's ability to integrate visual, vestibular, and somatosensory inputs for postural control. The intervention will be administered three times per week for eight weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Training will include balance tasks performed under progressively challenging sensory conditions, such as standing on compliant surfaces, performing tasks with eyes closed, incorporating head movements during stance and gait, and engaging in dual-task activities. Exercise intensity and task complexity will be gradually increased according to individual tolerance while maintaining participant safety.
Participants in the control group will receive conventional balance training with the same frequency and duration as the experimental group. This program will focus on traditional static and dynamic balance exercises, including standing with a narrowed base of support, sit-to-stand practice, and forward and backward walking. No manipulation of sensory input will be included in this group, allowing comparison between standard balance rehabilitation and sensory reweighting-based training.
In addition to group-specific interventions, all participants will receive standard physiotherapy throughout the study period. This will include passive and active range of motion exercises, functional strengthening, and gait training tailored to individual needs. Standard therapy will be delivered at moderate intensity for 20-25 minutes per session, five days per week, to ensure uniform baseline rehabilitation across both groups. Written informed consent will be obtained from all participants, confidentiality will be maintained, participation will be voluntary, and individuals will be free to withdraw from the study at any time without affecting their standard care.
Inclusion Criteria:
Diagnosed case of chronic ischemic stroke (duration >6 months post-stroke)
Both male and female patients with age range 40-60 years .
Able to stand and walk at least 10 feet (with or without assistive devices).
Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥24 (to ensure adequate cognitive ability to follow instructions).
Medically stable and cleared by a physician to participate in balance training.
Experiencing balance impairment and/or history of at least one fall in the past 6 months
Exclusion Criteria:
Hemorrhagic stroke patients or mixed stroke types
Severe visual, auditory, or vestibular impairments not correctable by aids (which would interfere with sensory reweighting assessment).
Other neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy).
Musculoskeletal disorders significantly affecting balance (e.g., recent fracture, severe arthritis).
On medications that severely affect balance or cause dizziness (e.g., sedatives, high-dose antiepileptic.
Severe aphasia or communication disorders impeding participation in the intervention