The Effects of Instrumental Balance Training on Balance in Individuals with Unilateral Transtibial Amputation: A Pilot Study

ABSTRACT Introduction With the loss of a lower limb, an individual with amputation may face impaired gait and balance. Different rehabilitation techniques can be used to deal with those functional disabilities. The purpose of this study was to determine whether computerized balance training could have any possible effects on balance in individuals with unilateral transtibial amputation. Materials and Methods A total of 16 subjects who used a prosthesis in their daily life and were between 18 and 65 years of age were included in the study. Individuals were randomly divided into two groups: control group (CG) (n = 7) trained with traditional prosthetic rehabilitation and the experimental group (EG) (n = 9) trained with computerized balance training for five sessions for 2 weeks. Percentage of prosthetic weight bearing (PWB) timed up and go test (TUG), single-leg stance test (SLST), postural sway score, and limits of stability (LoS) were evaluated at baseline and posttreatment. Results No significant differences were observed in between-group comparisons after treatment. Within-group comparison showed that PWB, SLST, and LoS score increased in EG, whereas only PWB increased in CG. Conclusions Similar results were revealed with both computerized and traditional prosthetic training. Although there were no significant differences in between-group comparisons, computerized balance training improved the amputated side single-leg stance and stability limits, which are highly related to fall risk in individuals with amputation. Clinical Relevance Clinical relevance: Usage of computerized balance training can be helpful to improve single-leg stance and LoS in individuals with transtibial amputation.