NCT07448948

Interactive Posturographic Balance Training Added to Conventional Rehabilitation in Chronic Stroke

Effect of Interactive Biofeedback-Based Posturographic Balance Training Added to Conventional Rehabilitation in Chronic Stroke: A Randomized Controlled Trial

• Status: Completed
• Phase: N/A
• Study type: Interventional
• Enrollment: 36 (actual)
• Sponsor: Istanbul Physical Medicine Rehabilitation Training and Research Hospital · Other Government
• Sex: All
• Age: 18 Years – 65 Years
• Healthy volunteers: Not accepted

Summary

Stroke frequently leads to long-term balance impairments, increased fall risk, and reduced independence in daily activities. In chronic stroke patients, deficits in sensory integration and postural control may persist despite conventional rehabilitation programs. Additional targeted balance interventions may enhance recovery by improving multisensory processing and motor control. This study investigates whether adding biofeedback-based interactive posturographic balance training to conventional rehabilitation improves balance performance, fall risk, functional independence, and psychological well-being in individuals with chronic stroke. Participants were randomly assigned to receive either conventional rehabilitation alone or conventional rehabilitation combined with interactive balance training for eight weeks. Outcomes were assessed using validated clinical scales measuring balance, fall risk, daily functioning, and emotional status.

Detailed description

Stroke is a major cause of long-term disability and frequently results in persistent impairments in postural control and balance. In individuals with chronic stroke, altered sensory integration and impaired motor coordination contribute to increased fall risk and reduced functional independence. Although conventional rehabilitation programs address strength, mobility, and functional training, balance deficits may remain due to insufficient multisensory challenge and limited task-specific feedback. Biofeedback-based interactive posturographic systems provide real-time visual and sensory feedback during standing tasks and systematically challenge postural control under varying sensory conditions. Such interventions may enhance motor learning and promote adaptive sensory reweighting mechanisms by exposing individuals to controlled visual deprivation and head-position alterations. This prospective, single-blind randomized controlled study was conducted in individuals with chronic stroke (\>6 months post-event). Participants were randomly assigned to receive either conventional rehabilitation alone or conventional rehabilitation combined with interactive posturographic balance training. The intervention period lasted eight weeks, with sessions conducted five days per week. The primary objective of the study was to determine whether adding biofeedback-based interactive posturographic balance training improves clinical balance performance. Secondary objectives included evaluating effects on fall risk, functional independence, and psychological status.

Conditions

• Stroke
• Postural Balance

Interventions

Type	Name	Description
DEVICE	Biofeedback-Based Interactive Posturographic Balance Training	Intervention Description (Experimental Arm) Participants received biofeedback-based interactive posturographic balance training using a multisensory platform that provides real-time visual feedback based on vertical pressure fluctuations detected from four force plates under the heels and forefeet. The system systematically challenges postural control under different sensory conditions, including eyes open, eyes closed, unstable surface, and head-position variations. Training sessions lasted 25 minutes, five days per week, for eight weeks and were conducted in addition to a standardized conventional rehabilitation program.
BEHAVIORAL	Conventional Rehabilitation Program	Participants received a standardized conventional rehabilitation program consisting of neurophysiological facilitation techniques, range of motion exercises, muscle strengthening exercises, postural control training, weight-shifting exercises, and gait training. Sessions lasted 45 minutes per day, five days per week, for eight weeks.

Timeline

• Start date: 2021-02-15
• Primary completion: 2021-10-15
• Completion: 2021-10-15
• First posted: 2026-03-04
• Last updated: 2026-03-04

Locations

1 site across 1 country: Turkey (Türkiye)