Effects of Ankle Invertor and Plantar Flexor Stretching on Balance and Walking Ability of Stroke Patients

Abstract

Purpose: This study was to applied to stretching plantar flexor and invertor at the same time to observe the effect of balance and walking ability. Methods: Subjects were instructed patients with ankle limited of motion, 6 months after stroke. We classified 20 subjects into two groups (experimental group: stretching plantar flexor and invertor at the same time, control group: only stretching plantar flexor). each group included 10 subjects and applied ankle stretcher for 20 minutes, 5 times/week during 4 weeks (total 20 times). Results: Both experimental group and control group showed significant increases in static balance, however, the significantly increases in step length and gait speed was observed only in the experimental group. There was no significant increases in step length and gait speed in the control group. Conclusion: Simultaneous stretching of ankle invertor and plantar flexion is effective in improving balance and walking ability in chronic stroke patients.