Efficacy of Swiss Ball Exercises Versus Kinesthetic Training for Improving Balance and Functional Mobility in Chronic Stroke Patients.

Efficacy of Swiss Ball Exercises Versus Kinesthetic Training for Improving Balance and Functional Mobility in Chronic Stroke Patients

Stroke is one of the leading causes of long-term disability and commonly results in impaired balance, reduced trunk control, and difficulty in functional mobility. Chronic stroke patients often experience limitations in daily activities due to poor postural stability and decreased motor coordination. Various rehabilitation approaches are used to improve balance and mobility, among which Swiss ball exercises and kinesthetic training are considered beneficial interventions.

The purpose of this randomized controlled trial is to compare the effectiveness of Swiss ball exercises versus kinesthetic training in improving balance and functional mobility in patients with chronic stroke. A total of 36 participants diagnosed with chronic stroke for more than six months will be recruited and randomly allocated into two groups. Group A will receive Swiss ball exercises focusing on trunk stability, coordination, and balance control, while Group B will receive kinesthetic training aimed at improving proprioception, sensory feedback, and motor control.

The intervention program will continue for 8 weeks under the supervision of qualified physiotherapists in the Physiotherapy Department of Shalimar Health Centre. Balance and functional mobility will be assessed before and after the intervention using the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go (TUG) test.

This study aims to determine which intervention is more effective in enhancing balance and mobility in chronic stroke patients and may help improve rehabilitation strategies for stroke recovery.

Stroke commonly leads to long-term physical impairments including poor balance, impaired proprioception, decreased trunk stability, and reduced functional mobility. These deficits negatively affect independence in activities of daily living and increase the risk of falls in chronic stroke patients. Rehabilitation strategies focusing on balance retraining and motor control are essential for improving functional outcomes and quality of life.

Swiss ball exercises are widely used in neurorehabilitation to improve trunk control, postural stability, coordination, and balance through unstable surface training. These exercises stimulate core muscle activation and enhance neuromuscular control during functional movements. On the other hand, kinesthetic training focuses on proprioceptive input, sensory feedback, motor relearning, and coordinated movement patterns to improve postural control and mobility.

Although both treatment approaches have shown beneficial effects in stroke rehabilitation, limited evidence is available comparing their effectiveness specifically in chronic stroke patients. Therefore, this randomized controlled trial aims to compare the efficacy of Swiss ball exercises and kinesthetic training in improving balance and functional mobility among individuals with chronic stroke.

A total of 36 participants meeting the eligibility criteria will be recruited from the Physiotherapy Department of Shalimar Health Centre. Participants will be randomly allocated into two equal groups using computerized randomization. Group A will receive a structured Swiss ball exercise program, while Group B will receive kinesthetic training exercises. Both intervention protocols will be supervised by qualified physiotherapists and conducted for 8 weeks.

Outcome measures will include the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) for assessment of balance and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test for assessment of functional mobility. Measurements will be recorded at baseline and after completion of the intervention period. Data collection will be performed by an assessor blinded to group allocation to minimize assessment bias.

The findings of this study may provide evidence regarding the comparative effectiveness of Swiss ball exercises and kinesthetic training and may assist physiotherapists in selecting appropriate rehabilitation interventions for chronic stroke patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

Patients diagnosed with stroke for past 6 or more then 6 months both sides (R, L).

Age: 45-65 years . Absence of cognitive impairment ( Mini Mental State Examination Score >23). Able to follow 3 step command. Medically stable. Both genders. Who can manage to come to the medical centre. Who score 21-50 on berg balance scale (BBS). Able to participate in the exercise program. Who don't have any cardiovascular or musculoskeletal problem.

Exclusion Criteria:

Cognitive impairment hindering performance. Other neurological problems. Acute or subacute stroke. Impair vision without correction. Other health problem ( cardiovascular, DM etc). Pain during standing or walking. Lake the ability to participate.