Effect of Dorsiflexion Balance Exercise on Leg Muscle Activity and Balance in Stroke Patients

This study was conducted to determine the effect of increased range of motion achieved by dorsiflexion of the ankle joint in stroke patients. The subjects were 20 chronic stroke patients who met the selection criteria. Ten were randomly assigned to a dorsiflexion posture balance exercise group (the experimental group) and 10 to a flat ground balance exercise group (the control group). All then received intervention 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Significant (p<.05) intergroup differences were found between the tibialis anterior and soleus leg muscles and between balance results (p<.05). Presumably because the tibialis anterior and soleus muscles were activated by exercise and improved balance stability. The results suggest dorsiflexion should be used to increase ankle joint range of motion and restore balance in stroke patients.