The Influence of Using Computerized Biodex Balance System on Postural Sway in Stroke Patients

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the influence of using the Biodex balance system as a visual feedback training on improving postural sway in hemiparetic patients secondary to cerebrovascular accident. Twenty hemiparetic male patients with mean age of 62.213.2 years participated in this study. Patients were assigned randomly into two equal groups (study and control). Both groups received conventional therapy program (tone reduction, trunk control, mobilizing, strengthening, coordination and balance exercises) for two months as five sessions per week. The study group also received visual feed back training using the Biodex balance system. Dynamic limits of stability (LOS) was assessed pre and post treatment. The results of this study revealed an improvement in postural sway in both groups after application of treatment program but the improvement was significantly higher in the study group as compared to the control group. It could be concluded that the Biodex balance system is a useful training modality that can be used to improve postural sway in stroke patients.