Effect of Swiss Ball Training on Balance in Hemiplegic Patient

Background: Stroke is sudden loss of neurological function caused by interruption of blood flow to the brain. Loss of muscle strength, spasticity and imbalance play a role in functional disability in stroke. Balance status is one of the predictors of outcome of stroke rehabilitation. Exercises on dynamic surface like Swiss ball is becoming common mean of treatment in stroke patients.

Objective: To analyze the difference in the balance of hemiplegic patients pre & post Swiss ball training.

Materials and Method: Experimental study with 30 hemiplegic patients of 35–60 year of age with one time stroke were randomly assigned in two groups, group A (n=15) Swiss ball training along with conventional therapy and group B (n=15) only conventional therapy. Treatment was given for 60 minute per session, 3 days a week for 4 weeks. The outcome was measured by Berg Balance Score before and after training.

Result: paired and unpaired t test was applied. Both the groups showed improvement (p<0.001) with experimental group showing more gain (p<0.002).

Conclusion: Swiss ball training has an additional effect in improving balance in hemiplegic patients.