2016 Volume 7 Pages 87-94
Tsunoda T, Hirano S, Saitoh E, Tanabe S, Yanohara R, Tanahashi M, Kondoh R, Muramatsu N, Fuse I, Kagaya H. The game task level of a balance exercise assist robot achieved by chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia is correlated with balance ability after training. Jpn J Compr Rehabil Sci 2016; 7: 87-94.
Objective: The balance exercise assist robot (BEAR) is a balance training system that utilizes robot technology. The purpose of this study was to use BEAR on chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia and to elucidate the correlation between balance indices and BEAR game task levels.
Methods: The subjects were 15 chronic stroke patients with hemiplegia. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS), Timed Up and Go Test (TUG), and other balance indices as well as leg muscle strength and paralysis were assessed before and after the BEAR training period. The relationship between the achieved game task levels (tennis, skiing, and rodeo) and balance indices after training was investigated using Spearman's rank correlation coefficient.
Results: After training, TUG, Functional Reach Test (FRT) and comfortable walking speed showed a significant improvement. Furthermore, BBS, FRT, and comfortable walking speed showed a significant correlation with the achieved game task levels.
Conclusions: The results of this study suggest that balance training using BEAR contributes to an improvement in dynamic postural control ability. The levels achieved for all BEAR game tasks are thought to reflect the balance ability of the subjects after training.
