A randomized clinical trial on evaluation of the effectiveness of original methods for the restoration of post-stroke postural disorders

Background. Currently, about 9 million people in the world suffer from cerebrovascular diseases. Existing methods for the rehabilitation of postural disorders are based on the displacement of the gravity center of a person in the horizontal and/or sagittal planes. Objective. Evaluation of the effectiveness of the original method in the correction of static and locomotor functions, based on the use of vertical oscillations, in patients with post-stroke postural disorders. Methods. 54 patients with moderate-to-severe vestibulocerebellar syndrome in the recovery period of ischemic stroke (IS) were randomized into 3 groups. In the group 1 (n=18), the static locomotor functions were corrected according to the proposed method, based on the shift of the patient’s gravity center in the vertical plane. In the group 2 (n=18), the balance and walking functions were corrected by applying a sports trampoline. In the group 3 (n=18), patients underwent a course of neurorehabilitation using a stabilometric platform with biofeedback (BFB). Before and after the rehabilitation course, all patients underwent an assessment of the clinical and neurological status, assessment of balance by computer stabilometry (CS), the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and the International Cooperative Ataxia Rating Scale (ICARS), as well as the evaluation of walking parameters using a laser analyzer of kinematic walking parameters (LA-1) and the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI). Results. After the rehabilitation course, all three groups showed a statistically significant change in the main indicators according to LA-1, CS, BBS, ICARS, and DGI scales, which confirms the improvement in walking and balance. Conclusion. The proposed technique with the original design in the form of a swing is comparable in effectiveness with training with bio feedback and the “Rebound" method (trampoline), which makes it possible to recommend it in the complex rehabilitation treatment of patients with post-stroke postural disorders.

stroke, postural system, balance, rehabilitation