Abstract
[Purpose] This study was designed to examine the effect of plantar sensory input training on balance control and gait function of a patient with stroke, who had abnormal sensory integration, especially abnormal sensory re-weighting. [Subject] The patient was a woman with right hemiplegia at 1 month post-stroke. Her postural stability was affected by abnormal sensory re-weighting. [Method] We provided the patient with plantar sensory input training for 1 month. Then re-evaluated the relative contributions of vision, somatic sensation, and vestibular sense to the maintenance of postural stability while standing. [Result] After physical therapy with sensory input from the plantar sole, the relative contribution of somatic sensation increased, and postural control dysfunction and gait asymmetry were reduced. [Conclusion] Training with sensory input from the plantar sole, which affects the relative contribution of each sensory modality, might be an effective way of improving the balance control and gait function of patients with stroke.
