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Abstract
Uneven weight bearing distribution, which leads to asymmetric characteristics of the locomotor pattern, is commonly observed among patients with hemiparesis during quasistatic stance. The purpose of this research was to investigate the effects of using a visual and auditory biofeedback system in a balance retraining program for patients in the chronic post‐stroke period. Sixteen chronic patients with hemiparesis who suffered a stroke more than six months in the past participated in this study. The patients were randomly divided into two groups with eight patients in each group. The treatment group received biofeedback balance training and conventional physical therapy, while the control group received conventional physical therapy only. Using a forceplate and motion analysis system, standing balance and locomotor performance parameters were recorded for each subject during evaluation sessions before and after the one‐month treatment period. The data were analyzed using Student's t‐test to assess the effects of biofeedback balance training. The results showed that both groups improved in overall locomotor performance, gait pattern, and interlimb coordination, however, the biofeedback group did not demonstrate a clinically significant improvement over the control group. This study revealed the value of a late‐phase “booster dose” of gait and balance training for patients in the chronic post‐stroke period, but biofeedback, compared with conventional physical therapy, did not produce noticeable advantages after a one‐month training period.
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