The Effect of Frontal-plane Balance Training on Fall Prevention in Chronic Stroke Survivors: A Randomized ControlledTrial

Abstract

Introduction: This study investigated the impact of frontal plane-focused balance training (FPBT) on fall prevention in stroke survivors. Methods: A total of 59 chronic stroke survivors (mean age: 52.24±16.35 y, 18 female) were divided into the FPBT and control groups; both underwent an 8-week training program with three 1-hour sessions per week, incorporating single- and dual-task balance exercises. Primary outcomes included fall numbers and faller odds, while secondary outcomes assessed balance function using the Berg balance scale (BBS), mini-balance evaluation systems test (Mini-BEST), activities-specific balance confidence scale (ABC), and fall risk for older people in the community (FROP-Com). Results: No statistically significant differences were found in fall numbers or faller odds between the groups during the training (P=0.768 and P=0.065) or follow-up period (P=0.461 and P=0.298), using negative binomial and logistic regression, respectively. A decline in fall risk was observed in the FPBT group compared with the control group. Both groups showed significant improvements in secondary outcomes (BBS, P=0.013; Mini-BEST, P<0.001; ABC, P<0.001; and FROP-Com, P<0.001), with no significant between-group differences (BBS, P=0.395; Mini-BEST, P=0.295; ABC, P=0.186; and FROP-Com, P=0.886). Conclusion: The findings suggest that while FPBT did not significantly outperform conventional balance training in reducing falls, a trend toward fall risk reduction was observed. Further research is needed to optimize FPBT’s effectiveness for stroke survivors.