Correlation between dynamic balance and gait parameters in patients with ischemic stroke in the chronic period

Abstract

The aim of the study was to trace the correlation between dynamic balance and gait parameters during the application of specialized kinesitherapeutic methodology (SKTM) in patients with ischemic stroke in the chronic period (ISChP) which is developed on the grounds of the principles of motor control, motor learning and modern guidelines for neurodevelopment treatment (NDT).

Material and Methods

The study was conducted with 56 patients with ISChP. The Berg Balance Scale is used for the evaluation of the balance reactions. Tracking changes in gait before and after the applied treatment is evaluated cadence of gait and maximum speed of movement. To determine the cadence, the number of steps is measured for covering 6 meters and 10 meters. The maximum speed of the gait is determined in m / min by dividing undergone distance (m) / time (min), for which they have walked it. All indicators were assessed at the baseline, on the 10th day, 1st month and 3rd months after the beginning of the kinesitherapy. The patients studied were treated with a specialized 10-day kinesitherapy, which later continues to be performed by patients as an adapted exercise program at home for a period of three months.

Results

After applying SKTM, the highest tendency towards improvement in dynamic balance and gait is established in the 1st month, with a level of significance p = 0.000. The correlations between the studied parameters were most visible in the 1st month after the start of the applied SKTM with a significance level of p<0.01.

Conclusion

The applied specialized kinesitherapeutic methodology continued later as an adapted exercise program at home, significantly improving the dynamic balance and gait parameters in patients with functional impairment due to ISChP.

Keywords

Dynamic balance, Gait, Ischemic stroke, Neurodevelopmental treatment, Kinesitherapy.