Smartphone-based visual feedback trunk control training for gait ability in stroke patients: A single-blind randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND

The gait ability of stroke patients is highly related with trunk control. Studies that addressed the effects of trunk control training using visual feedback on gait parameters of stroke patients are lacking.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of smartphone-based visual feedback trunk control training for improvement of trunk control and spatio-temporal gait parameter in stroke patients.

METHODS

Twenty-four stroke patients participated in this study. Participants were randomly allocated to the experimental and control groups. Both groups completed conventional rehabilitation over 4 weeks. The experimental group additionally received smartphone-based visual feedback trunk control training for 4 weeks. The primary outcome of this study was evaluated by trunk impairment scale and spatio-temporal gait parameters.

RESULTS

The trunk impairment scale in the experimental group was significantly improved compared to the control group (P< 0.05). The spatio-temporal gait parameters are significantly more different in the experimental group than in the control group (P< 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Additional smartphone-based visual feedback trunk control training may improve trunk control and spatio-temporal gait parameter in chronic stroke patients.