The effects of intensive sit-to-stand training on the balance and walking ability of hemiplegic stroke survivors

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of intensive sit-to-stand training in improving the balance and walking of hemiplegic stroke patients. Methods Sixty hemiplegic stroke patients were randomly divided into an observation group and a control group with 30 cases in each.Both groups were treated with routine rehabilitation.The observation group also underwent extensive sit-to-stand training.The training lasted for 15 min/time,6 times/week for 4 weeks.All of the patients were assessed with respect to their body weight distribution,Berg balance scale (BBS) scores,timed up & go test (TUGT) times and using footprint gait analysis,before the treatment and 4 weeks post treatment. Results After 4 weeks of treatment body weight distribution,BBS scores,TUGT times and gait improved significantly in both groups.The BBS,TUGT and gait improvements were significantly greater in the observation than in the control group.There was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of body weight distribution. Conclusions Extensive sit-to-stand training combined with routine rehabilitation can distinctly improve the balance and walking of hemiplegic stroke survivors. Key words: Stroke; Sit-to-stand; Balance; Walking; Hemiplegia