The effects of multidirectional stepping training on balance, gait ability, and falls efficacy following stroke

Abstract

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to determine whether a multidirectional stepping training improves balance, gait ability, and falls efficacy in stroke patients. [Subjects] Firty patients who met the selection criteria and agreed to participate in research at hospital N were randomly allocated and enrolled in this study. Twenty of the subjects were assigned to an experimental group that participated in combined stepping exercise, and the other twenty subjects were assigned to a control group that received general physical therapy. [Methods] In the two groups, balance was measured using the Berg Balance Scale, gait ability was measured using the 10-m Walk Test, and falls efficacy was measured using the Falls Efficacy Scale before training and after 6 weeks of training. [Results] Comparative analysis of the experimental group’s pretest and post-test results showed statistically significant differences in the Berg Balance Scale, 10-m Walk Test, and Falls Efficacy Scale scores. There were significant between-group differences in the Berg Balance Scale, 10-m Walk Test, and Falls Efficacy Scale scores. [Conclusion] The results suggest that a combined stepping exercise can be an effective intervention to improve the balance, gait ability, and falls efficacy in stroke patients.