Effects of Compelled Weight Shift on Balance Ability in Patients with Stroke

Purpose: This study aimed to investigate the effects of compelled weight shift in paretic lower limb training on balance ability in patients with stroke. Methods: Thirty-six individuals with hemiparesis, who were randomly assigned to a 10CWST (10 mm constrained -weight shift training) group, a 5CWST (5 mm constrained-weight shift training) group, and a control group participated in this study. Compelled weight shift training was performed in 3 sets of 5 min with a rest period of 1 min between sets. Both the 5CWST and 10CWST groups performed 5 times per week for 4 weeks. Static (mediolateral and anteroposterior sway velocities) and dynamic balance (mediolateral and anteroposterior distances) was assessed using the Good Balance system. Results: Significant differences were found in the M-L and A-P sway velocities, and the M-L sway distance. The M-L and A-P sway velocities, and M-L sway distance showed significantly large group effects (p<0.05), time effects (p<0.05), and group-by-time interaction (p<0.05). The post hoc analyses indicated that, following intervention, the 10CWST group showed more significant changes in the M-L and A-P sway velocities, and the M-L sway distance than the control group. Conclusion: These results suggest that the use of compelled weight shift in paretic lower limb training may be an effective method to improve balance ability in patients with stroke.