Dynamic balance training with sensory electrical stimulation in chronic stroke patients

Abstract

Abstract-A case study investigating the impact of sensory electrical stimulation during perturbed stance in one chronic stroke patient is presented.A special apparatus called the BalanceTrainer was used. It allows the application of perturbations to neurologically impaired people during standing, while protecting the subject from falling. The subject underwent two different periods of perturbation training, each lasting ten days. During the first period the subject was perturbed in eight different directions. During the second period the subject was also perturbed, but was assisted by sensory electrical stimulation of the soleus, tibialis anterior, tensor fascia latae, and vastus muscles in the impaired leg. After each period of training an assessment was carried out to measure the forces the subject applied on the ground via two force plates. The subject improved his ability to balance throughout the training, with the largest improvements during the final period when electrical stimulation was used.

The immediate effects of patellar taping on balance and gait ability in individuals with chronic stroke

“…For improving balance ability in stroke patients, various studies have been conducted. They include visual feedback training [3,7], dynamic balance control training [8], body weight shift control training [9,10], motor learning [11], task oriented training [12], Tai-chi program [13], and virtual-reality training [14]. Each of these studies has confirmed the effect of balance training in stroke patients.…”