The Effectiveness of Proprioceptive Training & Exercise Therapy in Improving the Balance of Ambulatory Hemiplegics.

Abstract

Impairment resulting from stroke such as sensory, motor and impairment in postural control and balance pose a threat to physical safety and can lead to fear of one’s safety with self imposed restriction on activities of daily living.Stroke causes problems across multiple systems, including motor control, upperextremity function, gait, and balance.¹

This study aims to systematically explore the efficacy of  proprioceptive training coupled with Exercise Therapy  in improving balance control for Adult Hemiplegics.

Balance is defined as a complex process involving the reception and integration of sensory inputs, planning and execution of movements, to achieve a goal requiring upright²

Proprioception is defined as interpreting stimuli originating in muscles, joints and other internal tissues that give information about the position of one body part in relation to one-another.³

Balance is diminished in people with hemiplegia and hemiparesis. Postural sway for patients with hemiplegia can be twice that of their age-matched group.Symmetry of weight bearing is also impaired following stroke, with patients bearing as much as 61% to 80% of their body weight through their nonparetic lower extremity⁴