Sensory stimulation promotes normalization of postural control after stroke.

• DOI: 10.1161/01.str.25.6.1176
• Publication Date: 2011-06-17T20:08:03Z
• Authors: M Magnusson; K Johansson; B B Johansson
• Keywords: Galvanic vestibular stimulation; Stroke; Posturography; Sensory stimulation therapy

In a randomized study of hemiparetic stroke patients with median age 75 years, functional recovery was significantly better in those who received additional sensory stimulation (n = 38), including electrostimulation, than control 40) given the same physiotherapy and occupational therapy; group differences for balance, mobility, activities daily living were significant. The present designed to investigate postural survived more 2 years after onset. 48 survivors (mean, 2.7 years; range, 2.0 3.8 years), 22 from treatment 26 group, compared 23 age-matched healthy subjects. Subjects perturbed by vibrators applied calf muscles or galvanic vestibular stimulation. We evaluated terms sway variances velocities dynamics as feedback system using identification model previously validated human control. Significantly maintained stance during perturbations (P < .01). Among capable maintaining perturbation, characterized significant divergence normal values two three characteristic parameters dynamic (ie, swiftness stiffness; P .05) subgroup course enhanced function, an enhancement still lesion treatment. near normalization among treated suggest that improved may be achieved regaining