The effect of visual feedback plus mental practice on symmetrical weight-bearing training in people with hemiparesis.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of visual feedback with mental practice on symmetrical weight-bearing training in three individuals with hemiparetic stroke.

DESIGN

A single-subject experimental design, alternating with multiple baselines across individuals.

SETTING

Laboratory of a department of occupational therapy.

PARTICIPANTS

Three individuals with left hemiparesis from stroke.

INTERVENTION

Visual feedback with mental practice on symmetrical weight-bearing training.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

The proportion of the participant's weight-bearing by the affected limb while standing was measured using Limloader.

RESULTS

For participants 1, 2 and 3, the respective average weight-bearing proportions of the affected limb were 27%, 31% and 21% at baseline, 47%, 48% and 47% after visual feedback with mental practice, and 42%, 48% and 42% after visual feedback only, immediately following each training session. When the participants had visual feedback with mental practice, they placed a greater proportion of their weight on the affected limb, and this effect was maintained for 1 h.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicate that the visual feedback approach alone can effect improvement but visual feedback together with mental practice produces further positive effect on improving and maintaining a symmetrical stance posture in people with hemiparetic stroke.