Date of Award

1999

Document Type

Scholarly Project

Degree Name

Master of Physical Therapy (MPT)

Department

Physical Therapy

First Advisor

Beverly Johnson

Keywords

Cerebrovascular Disorders -- rehabilitation

Abstract

A case study was completed on a 51-year-old female who suffered a stroke in 1996 and exhibited left-sided hemiplegia. The case study examined the effects of a six-week balance training program on an individual at least six months post stroke using a force platform system called the NeuroCom Balance Master®. Individuals suffering a stroke often times exhibit deficits in balance due to weakness, sensory loss, impaired righting reflexes, and visuospatial distortion.

The goal of the training program was to improve the subject's balance deficits by focusing on areas of symmetrical weight bearing, weight shifting, and coordination of movement. Initial and final assessments were conducted using the NeuroCom Balance Master® and the Tinnetti Assessment Tool to assess any change in the subject's balance.

At the conclusion of the six-week training program, the subject improved in areas of static and dynamic balance and the ability to weight shift in the anterior direction and to her hemiparetic left side. The subject's gait pattern also improved in terms of step length, step width, and step speed. Therefore, the results of this study seem to indicate that post stroke individuals of at least six months may have the ability to improve their overall balance with continued postural training. However, further research is necessary to determine the functional outcomes of postural feedback training and the reasons for improvement seen on the NeuroCom Balance Master.®

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