Training by Using an Adaptive Foot Switch and Video Games to Improve Balance and Mobility Following Stroke: A Randomised Controlled Trial

In this study, an altered switch for rehabilitation was invented to make home training accessible for the stroke patients, by modifying a computer mouse into a foot switch. This study examined the effects of training with an adaptive foot switch and video games (VG) on walking performance and balance abilities (Centre of Pressure (CoP) sway) in people after stroke. The intervention was evaluated through a randomised controlled trial. The intervention group received 10 weeks of VG rehabilitation, for approximately 3.5 hours/week, using a pressure-activated electronic foot switch, in addition to standard rehabilitation. The control group received regular rehabilitation only. The experiment included a force platform (measuring CoP sway kinematics) and a 10-Metre Test of Walking (10MWT) to measure the standing balance and walking performance of 56 stroke patients. There were no differences between the two groups (intervention and control) at baseline in terms of the demographic or dependent variables. Multivariate tests indicated a significant interaction between the Patient Group and the Time-type variables. Subsequent analysis of the main effects revealed significant between-group differences over time in all dependent variables (10MWT, sway area, CoP sway in anterior–posterior direction (AP sway) and CoP sway in medial–lateral direction (ML sway)). Patients in the intervention group demonstrated better performance than those in the control group after the VG rehabilitation according to the post-test. This study suggests that ankle muscle training using an adaptive foot switch and VG may improve exercise compliance and enhance recovery of balance and mobility following stroke.