Effects of Ankle Stability Exercises on Balance in Stroke Patients

Abstract

Background: Stroke is one of the most common cause of disability in adults. Impaired gait and balance is a common manifestation after having a stroke attack. Different treatment approaches exist for stroke rehabilitation. Strengthening and stability trainings have proven to improve the overall functioning and balance in stroke patients.
Objective: The purpose of the study was to determine the effects of ankle stability exercises on the balance in stroke patients.
Methodology: It was a clinical trial that was conducted in Yusra General Hospital, Islamabad. The duration of this study was 6 months and the sample size was 36. Patients of both genders with age between 40-60 years, having Stroke duration between 6 weeks to 6 months were recruited on the basis of following inclusion criteria; Modified Ashworth scale of lower extremity ≤ 2, Modified Rankin scale 2 and 3, a mini–mental state examination- score of 24 or higher, mild to moderate risk of fall on Berg Balance Scale. Patients having vestibular compromise, visual or auditory disorders, or any other neurological disorder i.e. Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s etc. were excluded from the study. The tools used in the study were Berg Balance Scale, Time Up and Go Test, 2 Minute Walk Test, Cumberland Ankle Instability Tool, and Stroke Specific Quality of Life.
Results: There was noticeable improvement in mean values of all the tools after 6 weeks of intervention in both control and experimental group. Mean values of Berg Balance Scale, Time Up and Go Test, 2 Minute Walk Test, and CAIT were improved more in experimental group as compared to control group after 6 weeks of treatment and there was significant difference of BBS at 6th week as p <0.05
Conclusion: It is concluded that ankle stability exercises improved balance and functional mobility better than conventional stroke therapy alone. These exercises are associated with improvement of scores in Berg Balance Scale and 2 Minute Walk Test.