The Effect of Side-Step Tasks Based Circular Training Program on Balance and Gait in Stroke Patients

The Effect of Side-Step Tasks Based Circular Training Program on Balance and Gait in Stroke Patients

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the side-step tasks based circular training program (STCT) on balance and gait characteristics in stroke patients. Design: A randomized controlled trial Methods: Twenty-four stroke patients were randomly divided into two groups of twelve patients each. One group was applied with the STCT whereas the other group was treated with conservative physiotherapy (CP). The ability of gait was measured in 10m walking test and stride length on both side using BTS G-WALK (BTS Bioengineering S.p.A, Italy) and the ability of balance was measured in Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Timed Up and Go Test (TUG). Results: The STCT group was significant differences in the balance parameters of BBS and TUG (p＜0.05) and showed significant differences in gait variables in 10m walking speed, stride length of affected and non-affected side after the experiment before and after the experiment (p＜0.05). In addition, the STCT group showed a significant difference in BBS compared to the control group (p＜0.05). Conclusions: The results of this study confirmed that the side-step tasks based circular training program (STCT) improves balance and walking ability in stroke patients. STCT is expected to be used as a useful intervention method for stroke rehabilitation.