Impact of stroke on balance ability and postural sway: A comparative study

Abstract

AIM: To compare patients with stroke and healthy controls in terms of balance ability and postural sway. METHODS: Twenty hemiparetic participants (mean age: 48.6±10.1 yr.) and 40 healthy controls (mean age: 44.05±7.77 yr.) were included and compared in this study. One single leg test (eyes open) and timed up & go test were used to assess balance ability. Postural sway of the participants was assessed by a kinesthetic ability trainer (SPORT-KAT 550) to determine postural sway in four directions. RESULTS: In all outcome measurements just used in this study, the hemiparetic participants showed lowest scores compared to the healthy controls (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Hemiparetic stroke decreases static and dynamic balance ability and disturbs postural sway of the subjects. That’s why; physical therapists should focus on training to improve static and dynamic balance ability and postural sway in patients with hemiparetic stroke.