Effects of visual restriction and unstable base dual-task training on balance and concentration ability in persons with stroke

Abstract

Objective: In the present study, the effects of visual restriction and unstable base dual-task training (VUDT), stable base dual-task training (SDT), and on stroke patients' balance and concentration abilities were examined. Design: Two-group pretest-posttest design. Methods: Dual-task training was conducted for thirty persons with chronic stroke who were hospitalized or receiving physical therapy and were randomly assigned to either the VUDT group (n=15) or the SDT group (n=15). The subjects were divided into two groups of 15 participants each, the VUDT group and the SDT group. Dual-task training was administered for 30 minutes per session, three times a week for 8 weeks. The participants' balance was measured via the center of pressure migration distances, functional reach test (FRT), Berg Balance Scale (BBS), and attention was measured using the trail-making test and the Stroop test. Results: In comparisons within each group, the two groups showed significant differences before and after the training (p<0.05). In the comparisons between the groups, the VUDT group showed significant improvements in center of pressure (COP), FRT, and BBS, and TMT compared to the SDT group (p<0.05). Conclusions: It would be more effective to conduct dual-task training as a rehabilitation training program under vision restriction and unstable supporting surface conditions than to conduct the test under unstable supporting plane conditions to improve balance and attention in chronic stroke patients.

Stroke Patients Showed Improvements in Balance in Response to Visual Restriction Exercise

“…It was assumed that the improvement in VD-SB balance training group could be due to the fact that the manipulation of visual input was more effective than the manipulation of standing surface to reweighting sensory information in the field of balance activity. Previous studies found that the exercise training with visual restriction by stroke patient affected their gait dynamic stability 27 ) knee joint proprioception 28) , balance and concentration ability 29 ) , gait velocity and balance 7) . Results of the present study extended previous results indicating that a training program with visual restrictions could improve the balance ability in persons with stroke more than training at free vision conditions 28,30) .…”

Effects of Mirror Therapy Combined with EMG-Triggered Functional Electrical Stimulation to Improve on Standing Balance and Gait Ability in Patient with Chronic Stroke

“…Methods used to improve balance and gait of stroke patients include training using functional electrical stimulation [ 8 ], dual task exercise [ 9 ], therapeutic approach through collaborative action of Brunstrom [ 10 ], virtual environment rehabilitation [ 11 ], mirror therapy [ 12 ], and so on. Among them, mirror therapy is one of treatments for patients with brain lesions based on the theory of neuroplasticity in the brain.…”