Effect of proprioceptive stimulation induced by footplate during center of pressure movement tracking training on the balance abilities of patients with chronic hemiplegic stroke: a randomized, controlled, pilot study

Background: Balance requires highly complex interactions involving muscle strength, joint flexibility, visual, vestibular, and proprioceptive senses.Objective: The purpose of this pilot study was to compare the effects of COP (center of pressure) movement tracking training conducted using the Biodex Balance System SD® in static and dynamic modes on balance ability in stroke patients.Methods: Twenty-six stroke patients were randomly assigned to a control group (COP movement tracking training in static mode ; stable; n = 13 or an experimental group (COP movement tracking training in dynamic mode; unstable; n = 13). Both groups underwent neurodevelopmental therapy followed by an additional 15 min of COP movement training three times a week for 6 consecutive weeks. The timed-up and go test, COP pathway velocity, COP pathway length, and limit of stability were measured before and after intervention.Results: The experimental group showed greater reductions in COP pathway length and COP pathway velocity than the control group (5%, F (1, 24) = 6.125, p = .021, η2 = .203; 5.4%, F (1, 24) = 6.661, p = .016, η2 = .217, respectively). No significant intergroup difference was observed for the timed-up and go test or limit of stability results.Conclusion: COP movement tracking training in dynamic mode was found to be a more effective intervention for improving the static balancing abilities of stroke patients than training in static mode.