Effects of Vibrotactile Biofeedback Providing Real-Time Pressure Information on Static Balance Ability and Weight Distribution Symmetry Index in Patients with Chronic Stroke

Abstract

Training with visual and auditory biofeedback, in patients with stroke, improved balance ability and asymmetric posture. We developed a new biofeedback training device to prevent falls and improve balance ability in patients with stroke. This device corrects motion errors by collecting the pressure information of patients in real-time. This randomized crossover study aimed to investigate the effect of this biofeedback training on the static balance ability and weight distribution symmetry index in 24 patients with chronic stroke. Pressure sensor-based vibrotactile biofeedback, visual biofeedback providing posture information, and standing without biofeedback were randomly applied for 1 d each with 24 h washout intervals to minimize adaptation. The static balance ability was measured for each biofeedback training type, and the weight distribution symmetry index was calculated using the collected weight-bearing rate data. The static balance ability and weight distribution symmetry index differed significantly according to the type of biofeedback training used. Post-hoc analysis revealed significant differences in the order of newly developed vibrotactile biofeedback, visual biofeedback, and standing without biofeedback. These findings provide evidence that pressure sensor-based vibrotactile biofeedback improves static balance ability and weight support rates by proposing better intervention for patients with chronic stroke in the clinical environment.

Cortical Reorganization of Early Somatosensory Processing in Hemiparetic Stroke

“…Another example is wearable focal stimulation devices, such as a vibrotactile glove (VTG), which provides vibratory input to the paretic limb of chronic stroke survivors and has been shown to promote neural plasticity and reduces spasticity [ 44 , 45 ]. Other studies have used robot-assisted somatosensory training and vibrotactile biofeedback devices [ 46 , 47 ].…”

Cortical Reorganization of Early Somatosensory Processing in Hemiparetic Stroke

“…VTGs provide vibratory input to the paretic limb of chronic stroke survivors and have been shown to promote neural plasticity and reduce spasticity [45,46]. Other studies have used robot-assisted somatosensory training and vibrotactile biofeedback devices [47,48].…”

Effect of a visual dual task on postural stability—A comparative study using linear and nonlinear methods

“…12 The dual-task paradigm has been used to investigate the cognitive demand of postural control by examining how postural stability is affected when a postural task is performed concurrently with a cognitive task in numerous studies in healthy young and older people adults and patients with neurological disorders. 13,14 Several studies have compared the performance between young adults and the elderly in dual-task situations to evaluate the role of aging in integrating visual information for postural control. Despite an overall increase in postural sway with aging, these dual-task studies have shown that the visual contribution to postural control remains relatively unaffected by age.…”

“…Consequently, it is expected that simultaneously performing cognitive and postural tasks would decrease the available attentional resources for postural control, leading to a decrease in postural stability 12 . The dual‐task paradigm has been used to investigate the cognitive demand of postural control by examining how postural stability is affected when a postural task is performed concurrently with a cognitive task in numerous studies in healthy young and older people adults and patients with neurological disorders 13,14 …”