Compelled body weight shift therapy induced by a shoe lift on the unaffected side improved weight bearing and gait velocity in individuals with acute stroke, according to a recent study.
Researchers randomly assigned 11 patients admitted to the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center Rehabilitation Unit with acute stroke to experimental and control groups. Patients in the experimental group underwent conventional physical therapy combined with compelled body weight shift (CBWS), whereas patients in the control group underwent conventional therapy. Physical therapy treatment was performed six times a week for 2 weeks. Before and after the intervention, researchers recorded weight bearing, gait velocity, Berg’s Balance and Fugl-Meyer’s Scores.
In CBWS group, weight bearing on the affected side increased, while it decreased in the control group. Study results showed a significant increase in gait velocity with treatment in both groups. However, compared with the control group, the experimental group showed larger improvements in gait velocity. Researchers also found that Berg Balance and Fugl-Meyer scores increased for both groups.
For more information:
Mohapatra S. Compelled body weight shift technique to facilitate rehabilitation of individuals with acute stroke. ISRN Rehabilitation. 2012; doi:10.5402/2012/328018.
Disclosures: The researchers have no relevant financial disclosures.
