Proprioceptive Training versus Progressive Adaptive Physical Activity on Balance in Subjects with Sub-Acute Stroke

Background: Post-stroke, gait and balance are often affected increasing the risk of fall, social isolation and sedentary lifestyle. Proprioceptive training has always been a part of post-stroke rehabilitation which has seen to improve muscle strength, balance and gait. Progressive adaptive physical activity has also shown to improve balance, cardiovascular fitness and gait after stroke. This study aims to compare the effect of proprioceptive training and progressive adaptive physical activity on balance in sub-acute stroke subjects. Method: 30 subacute stroke subjects were randomly assigned to one of the two groups. Group A received proprioceptive training while Group B received progressive adaptive physical activity for 30 minutes, 3 times a week for eight weeks. Subjects in both the groups were assessed for balance using Berg Balance Scale and Functional Reach Test prior to the intervention and post-intervention. Result: Both the groups showed significant improvement in the pre to post FRT and BBS scores (p<0.001). Post-intervention, when compared between groups, Group A showed better improvement than Group B on the FRT scores (p<0.001) but no difference was seen in the BBS scores (p value>0.05). Conclusion: Proprioceptive training is found to be more effective than the progressive adaptive physical activity in improving balance among sub-acute stroke subjects. Key words: Stroke, Balance, proprioceptive training, progressive adaptive physical activity.