The effects of proprioceptive exercises on balance ability after stroke

고유수용성 감각 증진 운동이 뇌졸중 환자의 균형 능력에 미치는 영향

Purpose : The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of proprioceptive exercise (PE) using a trampoline and a balance board on a balance ability after stroke. Method : Sixteen chronic stroke patients participated. Participants were randomly assigned to the PE group or control group (8 experimental, 8 control). All of participants were in-patients at local rehabilitation centre and had been receiving a traditional rehabilitation program, five days a week. The PE group have additionally undergone for four weeks, three days a week, the PE using a trampoline and a balance board under supervision by a physical therapist but control group was not received any additional program except the traditional rehabilitation program. The position sense test used to assess a proprioceptive sense at a knee joint. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the Timed Up & Go (TUG) test to measure the balance ability were carried out before and after the training. Result : After the training the error of position sense at knee joint of PE group significantly decreased compared to the control group. The PE group demonstrated a significant improvement in the scores of the BBS and TUG. Conclusion : The present study suggests that the PE program using a trampoline and balance board may become a useful tool for enhancing a balance ability in chronic stroke patients through the ennced proprioceptive position senses.