COMPARISON OF EXERGAMES VERSUS TRADITIONAL BALANCE EXERCISE TO IMPROVE BALANCE AND REDUCE RISK OF FALLS IN CHRONIC STROKE PATIENTS

Abstract

Objective: One of the frequent causes of disability in stroke patients is balance impairment. Balance training is integral part of rehabilitation for stroke patients. Exergame is innovative technology which provides benefit of exercise in entertaining way. The objective was to compare the effects of exergames versus traditional balance exercise to improve balance and reduce risk of fall in chronic stroke patients.

Method: A randomized control trial was conducted on 40 chronic stroke patients. Patients were randomly divided into exergaming group (n=20) and control group (n=20), using coin and toss method. Patients in control group performed traditional balance exercises while exergaming group performed supervised exergames along with traditional balance exercises. The treatment duration for both groups was 35-40 minutes/3 times a week for 6 weeks, with 5 minutes of warm up and cool down before and after intervention.

The demographics were recorded, and assessment was done using Berg balance scale, Time Up and Go test and Dynamic gait index at baseline and after 6 weeks of intervention.  Data was analyzed using SPSS 24.

Results: Of the 46 patients assessed, 40 (86.9%) were included in the study. The overall mean age was 57.78±5.38 years, there were 20 (54.1 %) males and 17 (45.9 %) females. Significant improvements were seen between the groups for Berg balance scale, Time Up Go test and Dynamic gait index after six weeks of intervention (p<0.05).

Conclusion: Exergame is found to be effective in improving balance and reducing risk of fall in chronic stroke patients.