Disability and Rehabilitation · Nov 12, 2019

Effects of diagonally aligned sitting training with a tilted surface on sitting balance for low sitting performance in the early phase after stroke: a randomised controlled trial

By Fukata K, Amimoto K, Inoue M et al.

PURPOSE: To clarify the effects of diagonally aligned sitting training using a tilted surface on sitting balance for patients with low sitting performance in the early phase after stroke. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was an assessor-blinded randomised controlled trial. The experimental group used a surface tilted 10° backward and down toward the most affected side; the control group trained on a horizontal surface. Both groups were asked to move their trunk diagonally forward toward the least affected side. Participants performed the activity 40 times/session for seven sessions over 8 days. Sitting performances were assessed using the function in sitting test (FIST), subjective postural vertical (SPV) on the diagonal plane, and trunk impairment scale (TIS). RESULTS: Thirty-three stroke patients were randomly allocated into two groups. Treatment effects differed significantly: mean differences between groups for FIST (total score, static, dynamic, scooting, and reactive) were 8.96, 2.35, 3.01, 1.27, and 1.72 points, for the mean SPV value was 1.82°, and for the TIS (total score and static) were 1.87 and 1.58 points, respectively. These results were more favourable in the experimental group. CONCLUSIONS: Diagonally aligned sitting training on a tilted surface improves sitting balance and modulates the SPV compared with a horizontal surface.

doi.org/10.1080/09638288.2019.1688873Open accessPubMed 31714801Interventions