The Effects of Stair Gait Exercise on Static Balance Ability of Stroke Patients

Abstract

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of stair gait exercise on the static balance ability of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The thirty stroke patients who participated in this experiment were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=15) or control (n=15) group. The experimental group performed stair gait exercise for 30 minutes, while the control group performed flat surface gait exercise for 30 minutes. The programs lasted four weeks, with both groups performing the exercises three times per week for 30 minutes each time. The stability balance ability of subjects was measured and compared before and after the interventions. [Results] The results of the experimental group showed a significantly different values, but those of the control group did not. Between-group comparison of changes in the anterior/posterior length in the limit of stability revealed significant increases in the experimental group but no significant increase in the control group. Only the surface area ellipse of Romberg, the length of Romberg, and length/area of Romberg showed significant differences between the two groups after the interventions. [Conclusion] The static balance ability improved in the group that performed the stair gait exercise. This study provides important data for identifying the recovery of balance ability through rehabilitation exercises in patients with nervous system diseases.

A new methodology based on functional principal component analysis to study postural stability post-stroke

“…test [26,27,28,29,30] despite the fact that recovering the ability to transfer body weight is a key objective in rehabilitation post-stroke [31].…”

Body balance in standing position in people after cerebral stroke on the basis of posturographic examinations

“…W związ-ku z tym zmniejsza się zdolność do utrzymywania środ-ka ciężkości ciała, a to ma negatywny wpływ na reakcje równoważne i co za tym idzie -poważnie utrudnia kontrolowanie postawy. Konsekwencją tego wszystkiego jest zwiększone ryzyko upadków i występowanie urazów w tej grupie osób [5][6][7][8].…”

“…As a result, the ability maintain the body's centre of gravity is reduced, which has an adverse impact on balance reactions, and makes posture control extremely diffi cult. All those factors contribute to an increased risk of falling and injuries in that group of people [5][6][7][8].…”

The effects of functional electrical stimulation applied to the gluteus medius and tibialis anterior on stair climbing ability in persons with stroke

“…In recent years, participation in social activities besides simple walking is regarded as the ultimate goal of rehabilitation [6]. Stairs are frequently encountered in everyday life, but walking on stairs is different from walking on flat surfaces [7]. Compared to walking on flat surfaces, stair climbing requires more energy and lower extremity strength due to the fact that horizontal and vertical movements occur together while maintaining balance [8].…”