Effectiveness of task oriented walking intervention on improving balance in MCA stroke patients

Background: Stroke is the leading cause of adult disability. Balance dysfunction is common in stroke victims which indeed affect functional performance in life. Task oriented walking intervention is a simple intervention by which we can attain balance as early as possible. Objective: To find out the effect of task oriented walking for improving balance in stroke patients. Method: The study was an experimental design and the study setting was at physical medicine and rehabilitation department Matha Hospital, Tellakam. 30 patients with left MCA stroke between the age group of 55-65, were assigned in to two treatment groups. Group A (Control Group) and Group B (Experimental Group). The group A (n=15) treated with conventional method. The group B (n=15) were treated with Task Oriented Walking along with conventional treatment. Duration of the treatment was 6 weeks with 5 days in a week. Outcome was measured using Berg Balance Scale, Timed Get Up and Go Test and ABC Scale prior to and at the end of the treatment program. Results: Both group showed significant improvement in balance after the rehabilitation program. The experimental group showed a statistically significant improvement in balance when compared to the control group at 1% level of significant. Conclusion: Stroke patients who received Task Oriented Walking along with conventional physical therapy showed a statistically significant improvement in balance than control group. It can be in corporate in the management of stroke patients for improving balance. A well designed trial is needed to study the effectiveness of Task Oriented Walking in improving balance in large group and to know its long term effect.