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

Abstract

Objective: Several strategies have been designed to improve balance after stroke. Although recent studies have suggested that the balance training in stroke should include exercises that are performed in different sensory conflict conditions, little attention has been paid to manipulation of visual input. This study aimed to compare effects of balance training on an unstable surface with balance training under visual deprivation conditions in persons with stroke. Method: Forty-five stroke patients were randomized into three groups: the visual deprivation-stable based training (VD-SBT); unstable based training (UBT); and control (C) groups. Subjects of the VD-SBT group performed balance training on a stable surface with closed eyes. The UBT group performed balance training on an unstable surface with open eyes. Patients were assessed before and after interventions for Timed Up and Go (TUG), Four Square Step (FSS) and Five Times Sit to Stand (FTSS) tests. Result: There was a significant difference in pre-post intervention time of TUG, FSS and FTSS tests in all three groups. In a comparison of three groups, the UBT and VD-SBT groups had a significant improvement in time of all tests but significant improvement in time of all tests was observed in the VD-SBT group in comparison with the UBT group. In the field of balance training, the manipulation of visual input was more effective than the manipulation of standing surface to reweighting the sensory information. Conclusion: We recommended balance rehabilitation programs after stroke performed under conditions to stimulate the use of underused sensory input.

Comparison of static and dynamic balance ability according to gender in athletes- a cross sectional study

“…Similarly, there are studies in the literature showing that visual exercises also affect balance performance (Correia et al, 2021;Durall, 2012;Jandaghi et al, 2021). However, we think that more studies are needed to reveal the effects of these exercises on the balance of both female and male athletes.…”

Effect of 6-Week Balance Exercise by Real-Time Postural Feedback System on Walking Ability for Patients with Chronic Stroke: A Pilot Single-Blind Randomized Controlled Trial

“…Therefore, the results obtained in this study indicate that the balancing exercise of sensory feedback to an extent at a range of non-perceptual levels could help improve walking ability by the participants' enhanced feedback to the somatosensory and vestibular systems. In a recent study, balance exercises under restricted visual conditions increased somatosensory and vestibular feedback and improved walking ability more than exercises on unstable surfaces [28]. When standing on an unstable surface, the central nervous system is more sensitive to sensory feedback from the visual and vestibular systems and less sensitive to feedback received from the somatosensory system.…”

Effects of visual scanning exercises in addition to task specific approach on balance and activities of daily livings in post stroke patients with eye movement disorders: a randomized controlled trial

“…Hence, both studies demonstrate significant improvement in balance and ADLs. These findings may be explained by the fact that visual feedback therapies are proved to be effective in improving a symmetrical stance and in gaining a sitting balance [ 46 , 47 ]. Moreover, task specific activities given to both groups also promote cerebral activation and brain reorganization and bring maximum improvement in functional performance [ 27 …”

“…Hence, both studies demonstrate significant improvement in balance and ADLs. These findings may be explained by the fact that visual feedback therapies are proved to be effective in improving a symmetrical stance and in gaining a sitting balance [46,47]. Moreover, task specific activities given to both groups also promote cerebral activation and brain reorganization and bring maximum improvement in functional performance [27 A retrospective study also reviewed the records of 220 patients suffering with either stroke or traumatic brain injury to investigate the frequency of eye movement dysfunctions and found that among 220 patients, cranial nerve palsy III and strabismus had the peak incidence rate [48].…”