Effect of home-based training using a slant board with dorsiflexed ankles on walking function in post-stroke hemiparetic patients

Abstract

[Purpose] To investigate the effects of a 30-day rehabilitation program using a slant board on walking function in post-stroke hemiparetic patients. [Subjects and Methods] Six hemiparetic patients with gait disturbance were studied. The patients were instructed to perform a home-based rehabilitation program using a slant board, thrice daily for 30 days, the exercise included standing on the slant board for 3 minutes, with both ankles dorsiflexed without backrest. For all patients, the Brunnstrom Recovery Stage, Barthel Index, range of motion of the ankle joint, modified Ashworth scale scole for calf muscle, sensory impairments with Numeral Rating Scale, maximum walking speed, number of steps, and Timed “Up and Go” test were serially evaluated at the beginning and end of the 30-day program. [Results] The program significantly increased walking velocity, decreased the number of steps in the 10-m walking test, and decreased Timed “Up and Go” test performance time. [Conclusion] This rehabilitation program using the slant board was safe and improved walking function in patients. The improvement in walking function could be due to a forward shift of the center of gravity, which can be an important part of motor learning for gait improvement.

Technology-Assisted Ankle Rehabilitation Improves Balance and Gait Performance in Stroke Survivors: A Randomized Controlled Study With 1-Month Follow-Up

“…Therapeutic regimens involving ankle stretching exercise are widely utilized for treating limited ankle ROM in stroke survivors. Passive ankle stretching exercises can be applied manually by physical therapists [15], [16], external devices (e.g., stretching board) [17], [18], and robotic systems [19]- [25]. The objectives are to decrease muscle tone, improve soft-tissue extensibility, and increase ankle ROM for the affected side [14], [22], [26], [27].…”

“…Furthermore, the limited availability of physical therapists and the labor-intensive efforts to deliver manual therapy can prohibit stroke survivors from undertaking clinical regimens [15], [22], [28]- [30]. Thus, stretching boards [17], [18] and robotic systems [19]- [25] are often substituted. Stretching boards have benefits (reducing the therapist's labor) and limitations (e.g., difficult to adjust the minutely applied angle; no safety bar).…”

Effect of Ankle Joint Mobilization with Movement on Range of Motion, Balance and Gait Function in Chronic Stroke Survivors: Systematic Review of Randomized Controlled Trials

“…Nowadays various interventions, including calf muscle stretching, muscle strength training, functional electrical stimulation training, proprioceptive control training, and ankle mobilization with movement (MWM) have been used to enhance ankle dorsiflexion passive range of motion (DF-PROM), gait function, and balance ability in individuals with stroke. 5 , 8–11 …”

The Impact of Home-Based Exercise Rehabilitation on Functional Capacity in Patients With Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

“…2 One of the major consequences of stroke impairments is hemiparesis, which affects activities of daily living and contributes sedentary lifestyle. 3,4 The most common problems include mobility, fatigue, concentration, and falls are reported by stroke survivors 1 to 5 years poststroke. 3 In Iran, 69% of patients died or remain disabled at 5 years after stroke.…”