The effect of visual feedback balance training and the Bobath balance training on the equilibrium function and the mobility in hemiplegic patients

Objective:To study the effect of visual feedback balance training and the Bobath balance training on the equilibrium and the mobility in hemiplegic patients. Method:Subjects were assigned randomly to either an experimental group(n=20) or a control group(n=20). Visual feedback balance training with Balance Master was used in the experimental group, and the Bobath balance training was used in the control group. Subjects were assessed using the Berg Balance Scale(BBS) and the Timed Up Go Test before and after the 6 week-training. Result: There was no difference between the two groups in Berg Balance Scale and Timed Up Go Test before the treatment. After the 6 week-training, both groups scored higher on the Berg Balance Scale and required less time to perform the Timed Up Go Test. Furthermore, a comparison of mean changes revealed significant difference between the two groups. The experimental group was better than the control group on the two assessments. Conclusion:After the 6 week-training, the balance and mobility of the patients in the experimental group had a significant improvements when compared with the control group. For the balance and mobility of the stroke patients, the effect of visual feedback balance training with balance master is better than the Bobath balance training.