PNF-Augumented Balance Training Using Balance Beam and Balance Board: A Controlled Trial Assessing Walking Speed Outcomes in Stroke Patients

Background & purpose: Stroke is a vulnerable condition having a high global prevalent rate. Balance impairment is a major antagonist to the disease progression. The current study aimed to compare two balance training program (balance board and balance beam training) on gait parameters in stroke patients. Methods: The randomized trial was conducted among 100 stroke survivors. They were allocated in to two groups either the balance beam or the balance board training group. All the participants were undergone eight weeks of supervised training session. The gait velocity was assessed using the Time Up and Go (TUG) test at the baseline and post training. Results: The result of the study revealed that both the group has showed significant improvements in the gait parameters (p < 0.05). However, the balance beam training group had statistically significant better gait velocity than the balance training group (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The study concluded that balance training is an essential component in improving gait velocity during stroke rehabilitation. The clinicians can use either of the treatment options for gait velocity whereas, the balance training using balance beam devise has better results the other device.