Effect of Gaming Assisted Visual Feedback on Functional Standing Balance among Acute Hemiparetic Stroke Patients

Balance training is an inevitable part of stroke rehabilitation which enables the patient to stand on their feet and move around independently. Gaming assisted visual feedback for balance training provides a safe, repetitive and motivating environment to the patients.

Ten patients undergoing treatment for MCA territory stroke hemiparesis in our tertiary healthcare center, within age 41–75 years were selected. Patients within 5^th to 10^th day of stroke occurrence and able to maintain 1 minute standing without support were included. Ten patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Group A (n=5) received gaming assisted visual feedback for balance training along with conventional therapy whereas Group B (n=5) received the same conventional therapy and balance training without visual feedback. 2 sessions were provided in a day, for 4 consecutive days, a total of 8 sessions. Post test measures were taken on the first day after 2 sessions of treatment and on the fourth day.

Berg balance scale, Postural Sway, Stance symmetry, Active ankle range of motion, and Lateral reach test.

The data was analyzed using t test. The group that received gaming assisted visual feedback for balance training had significant improvement in all outcome measures except for antero-posterior sway and active ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

Addition of gaming assisted visual feedback for balance training enhances functional balance among acute MCA stroke hemiparetic patients.