Effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Ankle Joint Proprioception and Balance in Patients With Stroke

Effect of Intermittent Pneumatic Compression on Ankle Joint Proprioception and Balance in Patients With Stroke

This study aims to assess the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression on ankle joint proprioception and balance in patients with stroke.

Stroke is a leading cause of disability worldwide, often resulting in motor impairments that limit mobility, daily activities, social participation, and overall quality of life. Although many stroke survivors regain independent ambulation, deficits in balance, posture, and gait commonly persist due to impaired voluntary motor control of the paretic lower limb. Recovery of lower limb motor function is essential for walking, independence in activities of daily living, and social participation. Proprioception, which provides sensory information about body position and movement, plays a critical role in motor control and functional performance. Proprioceptive deficits are common after stroke and are more pronounced in the lower limb, contributing to impaired balance, gait disturbances, and increased fall risk. Stroke rehabilitation aims to restore function through interventions that enhance sensory input, promote cortical plasticity, and improve motor recovery. Therefore, this study aims to assess the effect of intermittent pneumatic compression on ankle joint proprioception and balance in patients with stroke.

Inclusion Criteria:

• The age of the patients will range from 50-65 years old.
• Patients with stroke duration of illness ranged from six months to 18 months.
• BMI (Body Mass Index) ranged from 20- 30 Kg/m2.
• The muscle tone of the affected lower limb muscles ranged from 1 to 2 grade according Modified Aschworth Scale.
• Patients who have moderate impaired balance.
• Patients who have impaired proprioception.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with cardiovascular problems (open heart surgery or pacemaker).
• Patients with neurological diseases that affect lower limb function other than stroke (ex: Multiple sclerosis, Peripheral neuropathy, Parkinsonism…. etc.).
• Patients Suffered of Deep veins thrombosis (DVT).
• Patient with recurrent stroke.
• Patients with musculoskeletal disorders such as severe arthritis, knee surgery, total hip joint replacement, lower limb fractures or contractures of fixed deformity, leg length discrepancy after total hip replacement