Effects of Physiotherapy Interventions on Gait and Balance in Post-Stroke Patients

Abstract

Introduction: Stroke is defined as the sudden onset of a focal, non-convulsive neurological disorder caused by vascular damage, leading to various clinical conditions due to impaired brain function. The diversity of physiotherapeutic interventions and the application of advanced technologies have significantly expanded in stroke rehabilitation over the past decades.

 Aim: The aim of this study is to identify, based on literature data, an appropriate physiotherapy protocol for gait and balance rehabilitation in post-stroke patients.

 Materials and Methods: For this review, 10 studies meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected from Google Scholar. A total of 544 post-stroke participants were included in rehabilitation programs with different physiotherapeutic approaches in the experimental groups and general programs in the control groups. The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA-LE) and the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) were chosen as common outcome measures.

 Results: The analysis of the selected studies showed the greatest progress with combined conventional and advanced interventions: virtual reality (FMA-LE: 12.68/30.26; BBS: 18.38/44.09), hydrokinesiotherapy (FMA-LE: 9.82/21.45; BBS: 7.93/27.40), trunk stabilization exercises with music (FMA-LE: 11.34/23.41; BBS: 21.34/37.88), and exoskeleton training (FMA-LE: 17.3/23.0; BBS: 15.3/36.6).

 Conclusion: A combination of conventional and advanced physiotherapy interventions provides the best outcomes in post-stroke rehabilitation. Virtual reality proved particularly effective in the working-age population, while trunk stabilization exercises with music showed greater benefits for older patients, emphasizing the importance of individualized therapeutic approaches.