Effects of Sitting Balance Using Visuo-perceptual Biofeedback Training in Stroke Patients

Objective: This study was aimed to compare the effect of visuo-perceptual biofeedback sitting balance training using Balance Master in stroke patients with that of conventional sitting balance training. Method: The subjects were twenty-four stroke patients receiving rehabilitation therapy who could maintain sitting posture independently. These patients were randomly divided into a control and an experimental group. The ability of static postural balance control with the modified Clinical Test Sensory Interaction Balance (mCTSIB) and the weight bearing test was measured before and after the balance training. The ability of dynamic postural balance control was measured with the limit of stability (LOS) test and the rhythmic weight shift test. Motor assessment scale (MAS) and modified Barthel index (MBI) were also checked for measuring the effects. Results: There was significant improvement in both abilities of static and dynamic postural balance control in the experimental group that had visuo-perceptual biofeedback training using the Balance Master (p＜0.05). MAS and MBI scores after the training showed a bigger increase in the experimental group than in the control group. Conclusion: The visuo-perceptual biofeedback sitting balance training using the Balance Master was considered to be more effective than the conventional training in the stroke patients.