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Effectiveness of Perturbation-Based Balance Training Versus Pilates Exercises on Balance in Patients with Stroke: A Randomised Comparative Study
Corresponding Author(s) : P. Bright Alwin Victor
International Journal of Allied Medical Sciences and Clinical Research,
Vol. 14 No. 4 (2026): 2026 Volume 14-Issue 4
Abstract
Background: Stroke is defined as a clinical syndrome characterized by an acute loss of focal brain function with symptoms lasting more than twenty four hours or leading to death, and which is thought to be due to inadequate blood supply to a part of the brain or spontaneous haemorrhage into a part of the brain or over the surface of the brain. Imbalance is one of the clinical feature seen in post stroke patient’s results either due to muscle imbalance or by damage to the higher centre which controls the balance (area number 9 and area of sensory integration 3, 1, 2). The therapeutic approach of strengthening the weak muscle groups and retraining the higher centres by neuroplasticity will improve balance in chronic stroke patients has been advocated.
Objective: To compare the effect of perturbation based balance training with Pilates exercise to improve balance among chronic stroke patients.
Methods: A comparative study was conducted on individuals with balance impairment among chronic stroke patients. Participants were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and were randomly assigned into two groups. Group A received Perturbation based balance training while group B received Pilates exercise for a total of 8 weeks.
Results: Twenty stroke patients were randomly assigned to a Perturbation-Based Balance Training (PBBT) group (Group A) or a Pilate’s exercise group (Group B). After 8 weeks of intervention, both groups showed significant pre- to post-test improvements in Berg Balance Scale scores (Group A: 37.80 ± 4.52 to 43.80 ± 4.18; Group B: 36.90 ± 4.37 to 39.80 ± 4.31) and Timed Up and Go Test performance (Group A: 15.46 ± 2.34 s to 12.74 ± 2.01 s; Group B: 17.21 ± 2.68 s to 15.85 ± 2.43 s). However, the PBBT group demonstrated greater gains than the Pilates group, suggesting that Perturbation-Based Balance Training is more effective in improving balance and functional mobility in patients with stroke.
Conclusion: Both interventions were effective in improving balance and reducing risk of fall in chronic stroke patients.. However, PBBT was more effective than Pilate’s exercises.