Comparison Between Lower Limb Sensorimotor Training and Whole-Body Vibration Therapy on Postural Stability, Dynamic Balance and Fear of Fall in Post Stroke Patients.

Stroke is a neurological disorder causing 70-80 percent deaths in the low income and developing countries. Patients commonly present with common impairments associated with balance, proprioception, poor gait, speech impairment and posture which affect the activities of daily living along with increased risk and fear of fall. This negatively impacts patients' mobility, confidence and role in the society. Lower limb sensorimotor training targets the integration of sensory and motor systems enhancing tactile stimulation, balance and proprioception; whereas whole body vibration stimulates muscle spindles and mechanoreceptors via mechanical oscillations that may promote reflexive muscle contractions, improve muscle tone, and enhance postural responses. The aim of this study is to find the comparative effects of lower limb sensorimotor training and whole-body vibration therapy on balance, posture and fear of fall in post stroke patients.

This study will be a randomized clinical trial. Non probability convenience sampling will be used to recruit 42 patients of either gender, aged 50-65 years, and diagnosed with stroke. This study will be carried out in Saira Memorial Hospital, Lahore. The participants will be randomly allocated to Group A and Group B through computerized table generator method. Each group will be given conventional physical therapy treatment as a baseline which includes range of motion exercises, balance and gait training. Group A will receive lower limb sensorimotor training, whereas group B will receive whole body vibration therapy. Each group will perform their respective exercises 45 minutes, three times a week for 8 weeks. The participants will be evaluated at the start and end of the exercise program through Berg Balance scale for dynamic balance, falls efficacy scale for risk of fall and Nottingham sensory assessment scale for sensory assessment. Data will be analyzed by SPSS version 26.