EFFECT OF A KINESITHERAPY METHOD TARGETING POSTURAL CONTROL ON FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY AND FALL-RISK-RELATED OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ISCHEMIC STROKE
EFFECT OF A KINESITHERAPY METHOD TARGETING POSTURAL CONTROL ON FUNCTIONAL MOBILITY AND FALL-RISK-RELATED OUTCOMES IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC ISCHEMIC STROKE

Summary/Abstract: Chronic ischemic stroke often causes impairments in postural control, balance, gait, and independent mobility, limiting daily activity and increasing functional fall risk. Objective: To evaluate the effect of a kinesitherapy method targeting postural control on functional mobility and fall-risk-related outcomes in patients with chronic ischemic stroke. Methods: This is a secondary analysis of data from a three-month controlled follow-up of 46 patients allocated to an experimental group (n = 34) and a control group (n = 12). The experimental group received a 10-day specialized program followed by an adapted home-based program until month 3, while the control group received conventional 10-day kinesitherapy. Assessments were performed at baseline, day 10, month 1, and month 3 using the Berg Balance Scale, Dynamic Gait Index, Functional Ambulation Category, Timed Up and Go, 10-Meter Walk Test, and Rivermead Mobility Index. Results: The groups were comparable at baseline. At month 3, the experimental group showed significantly better results on the Berg Balance Scale (48.1 ± 5.5 vs 43.0 ± 4.8; p = 0.001), Dynamic Gait Index (21.0 ± 2.3 vs 17.0 ± 2.6; p < 0.001), and Functional Ambulation Category (4.4 ± 0.7 vs 3.5 ± 0.7; p = 0.002). Timed Up and Go, 10-Meter Walk Test, and Rivermead Mobility Index improved in both groups, without significant between-group differences. Conclusion: The method targeting postural control improved balance, dynamic gait stability, and independent ambulation, and may serve as a basis for safer functional mobility in chronic ischemic stroke rehabilitation

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