NCT05049018

Upper Extremity Training for Improving Balance Control Post-Stroke

The Impact of Upper Extremity Training on Balance Control in Patients with Chronic Stroke: a Randomized Control Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 40 (actual)
• Sponsor: Umm Al-Qura University · Academic / Other
• Sex: All
• Age: 50 Years – 60 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Postural balance control is based on complex mechanisms involving several sensory and motor systems. Maintaining postural equilibrium requires muscle activation to oppose the balance threats. Stroke may be associated with a variety of deficits, including impaired upper limb functions , poor postural stability, impaired reactive balance control, and delayed responses to external balance perturbations. Individuals with stroke are at high risk for falls in all post-stroke stages. Falls may have long-term serious consequences and can lead to more disability. Upper extremity movements have a relevant contribution in controlling balance and enhance the ankle and hip strategies for maintaining upright postural stability among healthy adults. Upper extremities movements also, constitute important elements in both equilibrium and protective reactions. Appropriate corrective responses of both the upper and lower extremities are essential to regain balance control and reduce the risk of falls. More studies are required to know about the impact of arm movements on postural balance control in individuals post-stroke. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effect of the improvement of the upper extremity functions on postural balance control in patients with stroke.

Detailed description

Stroke is defined as rapidly developing clinical signs of focal (or global) disturbance of cerebral function, leading to death, with no apparent cause other than that of vascular origin. It considered the biggest burden cause of disability all over the world, 16 million people suffer from a stroke every year with great economic and social repercussions. Following a stroke, a number of impairments may influence the patient's ability to perform functional activities. These include weakness, alterations in tone, sensory loss, uncoordinated response, reduced balance mechanisms, and walking problems. Upper limb involvement is usually more pronounced than the lower limb. The effects of stroke on the upper limb functions are common and a significant cause of long-term disability. Balance impairment is one of the most common deficits in patients post-stroke. After a stroke, balance abilities are reduced due to abnormal muscle activity and asymmetric posture. Impaired Balance not only increases the risk of falls but also adversely affects physical activity and social participation. The influence of arm movements on postural control only appears to be evident in case of impairs upper extremity functional performance. Arm movements play a functional role in postural stability during standing and walking. Arm and hand movements can also serve a protective role to prevent head injury in case of falling. Rehabilitation programs aiming for improving upper extremity impairments and improving balance performance can reduce the fall risk in individuals with stroke. Recently, virtual reality-based training exercises, are used to improve upper limb functions, balance, gait, and quality of life in stroke survivors. Many studies supported that virtual reality-based programs are suitable and have a potential value for patients with stroke. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impact of the improvement of the upper motor abilities by using virtual reality-based training on balance control in patients with chronic stroke.

Conditions

• Stroke

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
OTHER	Traditional Physical Therapy Program	This intervention included: * Strengthening and facilitation exercises for the affected upper extremity muscles. * Stretching and mobilization exercises for the affected upper extremity muscles and joints. * Postural reactions exercises. * Facilitation of arm-reaching and arm-hand skills for the affected upper extremity. * Facilitation of manipulative tasks (grasp and release activities) for the affected upper extremity. * Training of daily living activities for the upper extremities.
DEVICE	ArmeoSpring Virtual Reality Device (Upper Extremity Training Device with Virtual Reality Technology)	ArmeoSpring virtual Reality Equipment is a functional upper extremity rehabilitation device that provides specific therapy with augmented feedback. The ArmeoSpring instrument facilitates intensive task-oriented upper extremity therapy after stroke, traumatic brain injury, or other neurological diseases and injuries. It combines adjustable arm support, with augmented feedback and a large 3 D workspace that allows functional therapy exercises in a virtual reality environment.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-01-01
• Primary completion: 2022-01-31
• Completion: 2022-12-10
• First posted: 2021-09-17
• Last updated: 2025-01-14

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Saudi Arabia