Effects of Multi-direction Stepping and Weight Shifting Exercises in Stroke Patients

Stoke is a leading cause of disability that results not only in persistent neurological deficits but also profound physical de-conditioning that propagates stroke-related secondary disability. Several kinds of research have reported that there has been asymmetrical weight bearing on the affected side while sitting and standing resulting in impaired performance especially reaching in sitting, rising from the chair, walking, and climbing stairs. Despite the stroke patient being able to walk independently with or without the walking aids, the patient still lacks the normal movement pattern especially weight transfers on the affected side while performing such activities which subsequently decreases the patient to restrain the challenges while walking, decrease confidence in functional activities. Also, further, there hasn't been enough literature on this topic. Therefore, the objective of this study is to find out the effectiveness of multidirectional stepping and weight shifting exercises to improve dynamic balance and gait speed in stroke patients.

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Key information

Conditions

Stroke Brain Diseases Cardiovascular Diseases Central Nervous System Diseases Cerebrovascular Disorders Nervous System Diseases Vascular Diseases

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

King Saud University

Riyadh, 11433, Saudi Arabia

About this study

The twenty-four subjects who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were selected for the study and were randomly assigned into two groups of 12 subjects each by simple random sampling based on inclusion criteria. First, all the subjects were assessed with a detailed neurological assessment form after the consent form was taken from the patients. The experimental group was given multidirectional stepping exercise with conventional therapy whereas are control group was given only conventional therapy.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

Diagnosed with stroke via CT Scan or MRI
Maintain the independent standing posture for 30 sec
Ability to walk 3 meters independently without an assistive device
Mini-Mental status examination score >21 points
Could communicate and understand therapist's verbal command
Voluntary agreed to participate in the study
Age above 18 years old
Medically stable (e.g. recent myocardial infarction, unstable angina, ventricular tachycardia)

Exclusion criteria

Visual disorders and visual deficits
History of any neurological pathology like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease
Conditions affecting balance like vertigo
Medications affecting balance
Dementia
Impaired conscious level or concomitant medical illness
Lower Motor Neuron lesions
Anti-spasmodic medication (e.g. Baclofen, Dantrolene Sodium, etc.)
Severe orthopedic diseases in lower extremities (e.g. Osteoarthritis, fracture, sprain, strain)

Treatment and study plan

Multidirectional stepping exercises

Other

These exercises included stepping of the legs in different directions i.e. sideways, sideways and forefoot (forward), sideways and heel (backward).

conventional physiotherapy group

Other

Conventional physiotherapy included a one-to-one range of motion exercises (10min), Strengthening exercises (10 min), Functional mat exercises (10 min), Stretching exercises (5 min), and Gait exercises (10 min)

Primary outcomes

Berg Balance Scale

Time frame: 4 weeks.

The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) is used to objectively determine a patient's ability (or inability) to safely balance during a series of predetermined tasks. It is a 14 item list with each item consisting of a five-point ordinal scale ranging from 0 to 4, with 0 indicating the lowest level of function and 4 the highest level of function. Minimum possible value is 0 and maximum possible value is 56. Higher score represents better outcome.
Functional gait assessment

Time frame: 4 weeks.

The Functional Gait Assessment (FGA) assesses postural stability during walking tasks in persons with gait impairments.

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

King Saud University

Other

Registry information

Official study title

Effects of Multi-direction Stepping and Weight Shifting Exercises on Balance and Gait in Stroke Patients

Important dates

Study start: 2016
Primary completion: 2017
Study completion: 2017
First posted: Mar 17, 2022
Registry last updated: Mar 31, 2022

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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