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KMID : 1012020150040020066
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Physical Therapy Rehabilitation Science
2015 Volume.4 No. 2 p.66 ~ p.72
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The effect of balance training with plantar flexor stretching on range of motion, balance, and gait in stroke patients: a randomized controlled pilot trial
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Park Ki-Suk
Choi Jong-Duk
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Abstract
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Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of balance training with plantar flexor stretching on ankle dorsi flexion range of motion (ROM), balance, and gait ability in stroke patients.
Design: A randomized controlled pilot trial.
Methods: Thirty stroke patients volunteered to participate in this study. The subjects were randomly allocated to two groups: the experimental group (n=15) received the neurodevelopment therapy plus balance training with plantar flexor stretching for 20 minutes in one session. The control group (n=15) received the same neurodevelopment therapy plus plantar flexor static stretching for 20 minutes in one session. Both groups underwent sessions four times a week, for a total of 4 weeks. Measurements included passive range of motion (PROM), active range of motion (AROM) of ankle dorsiflexion using a goniometer, timed up and go (TUG), the functional reaching test (FRT), and the 10 m walk test (10 MWT).
Results: There were significant improvements in AROM and PROM of ankle dorsiflexion, TUG, and FRT scores after the intervention in the experimental group (p<0.05). However, the control group showed no statistically significant differences except for PROM of ankle dorsiflexion. The experimental group showed a significant improvement in PROM, TUG, and FRT scores compared to the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusions: Balance training with plantar flexor stretching improves ankle dorsiflexion ROM and balance ability in patients with stroke. Therefore, this therapeutic intervention will be effective for rehabilitation of stroke patients in the clinical setting.
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KEYWORD
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Muscle stretching exercises, Postural balance, Stroke
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