Comparison of the effect of task-oriented training and conventional physiotherapy on balance in Patients with Hemiplegia Following Stroke

Abstract

Background: One of the most common disabilities after stroke is impaired balance, so improving balance is essential to perform daily activities through rehabilitation. There are various rehabilitation approaches for patients with hemiplegia following stroke Task-oriented exercise program as an effective approach improves balance, movement and coordination. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of task-oriented exercise program on balance in patients with hemiplegia following stroke. Patients and Methods: In this clinical trial 20 patients with hemiplegia following stroke were randomly assigned to experimental (n = 10) and control groups (n = 10). The experimental group received a 4-week task-oriented exercise program, and the control group received a 4-week conventional physiotherapy, respectively. Each group performed the intervention, three times a week for four weeks (12 sessions). The patients were evaluated before and after the exercise intervention. Clinical measure included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and laboratory measures included the plantar pressure distribution. Results: Significant improvement was observed in BBS after completing exercise program in both experimental and control groups. Plantar pressure distribution in both groups were not improved significantly after treatment (P > 0.05). Unlike plantar pressure distribution, BBS improved significantly in the experimental group compared to the control group following intervention (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Task-oriented exercise program is associated with an improvement in balance in patients with hemiplegia following stroke. Therefore task-oriented exercise program can be used as an effective treatment for patients with hemilegia following stroke.