Effects of Task-Specific Balance and Gait Training with External Feedback on Motor Function, Balance, and the Activities of Daily Living in Subacute Stroke Survivors: a Quasi-Experimental Study
Abstract
Objective: Stroke commonly impairs motor function, balance, gait, and the activities of daily living (ADL). Although task-specific training with external feedback has been proposed to enhance post-stroke motor recovery, evidence in subacute stroke survivors remains limited. This study investigated the effects of task-specific balance and gait training with external feedback on motor function, balance, and ADL in subacute stroke survivors compared with conventional physical therapy.
Material and Methods: This quasi-experimental study included 80 participants with subacute stroke, divided equally into experimental and control groups (n=40 each). The experimental group received structured task-specific balance and gait training with external feedback twice weekly for 12 weeks. The control group underwent conventional physical therapy three times/week for eight weeks during inpatient rehabilitation, followed by follow-up care after discharge. Motor function, balance, gait speed, and functional independence were assessed before and after the intervention. Data were analyzed using paired t-tests and analysis of covariance, adjusting for age, body mass index, and stroke onset time.
Results: Both groups showed significant within-group improvements for all outcomes (p-value<0.001). Compared to the control group, the experimental group demonstrated significantly greater improvements in balance (p-value<0.001), both comfortable and fastest gait speeds (p-value=0.005 and 0.013, respectively), and functional independence (p-value<0.001). No significant between-group differences were observed in motor functions.
Conclusion: Task-specific training with external feedback is more effective than conventional physical therapy in improving balance, gait speed, and functional independence in subacute stroke survivors. These findings support the incorporation of feedback-enhanced, task-oriented interventions during the subacute phase of stroke rehabilitation.
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