Balance training and lateral insoles improve walking ability in patients with stroke

This study investigated if balance training and the use of lateral wedges insoles increase walking ability in patients with stroke. Researchers suggested that both therapies improve the walking capacity of these patients.

Patients with stroke usually experience mental and movement complications. Most patients can recover within the first 6 months after receiving the standard treatment program. However, 35% of these patients still may be unable to stand, have a normal weight distribution or a normal gait (walking pattern). This increases the risk of falls which deteriorates the quality of life of patients.

Prior studies showed that the treatment called constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT; training of the affected side while the healthy side movements are limited) improves the quality and function of the movement of upper limbs (arms). It is not clear if CIMT with the help of lateral wedges insoles (in-shoe plastic devices that improves balance) can improve the movement of the legs.

This study includes information about 56 patients that have had a stroke. They were divided into 3 groups. One group received CIMT, another group received in-shoe wedges treatment and the third group received the standard treatment (control group). The first 2 groups received a 6-week training program after the standard treatment. All patients were followed-up at 6, 10 and 18 weeks after the training.

The recovery of both CIMT and in-shoe wedges group was greater than the group who just received the standard treatment. The effect of this treatment lasted until the end of follow-up.

This study concluded that a 6-week CIMT training and the use of in-shoe wedges can improve balance ability of patients with stroke.

This study included a very small number of patients.