Effects of task-oriented balance training with sensory integration in post stroke patients

Background: Balance and functional mobility is greatly affected in stroke patients. Balance training integrated with sensory input is more beneficial for improving balance and mobility in stroke patients. Objective: To determine the effects of task-oriented balance training with and without sensory integration on balance, postural stability, and mobility in post-stroke patients. Methods: A randomized control trial was conducted at RHS Rehabilitation Centre, Islamabad. A total of n=60 post-stroke patients were included in the study through a non-probability purposive sampling technique. Male and female stroke patients above 40 years of age, having the ability to maintain a standing position without aid for at least 5 minutes, and patients on Grades II, III, IV on the Functional Mobility Scale were included in this study. They were randomly allocated into Group A (n=30) and Group B (n=30). Both groups received Task oriented balance training while group B was treated with additional sensory integration. The Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, Activities Specific Balance Confidence Scale, and Balance Error Scoring system were used for balance assessment. The assessment was done at baseline and after 6th week. Results: The mean age of the participants was 54.47 years. After 6 weeks of intervention, a significant difference was found in group A as compared to group B for Dynamic mobility measured by Dynamic gait index with p-value (p=0.06) and for balance measured by BBS with p-value (p=0.05). Conclusion: The task-oriented balance training with sensory integration is effective in improving dynamic balance and mobility in stroke patients. Keywords: balance training; Sensory Integration; stroke rehabilitation; task-oriented balance exercises.