The effect of a rehabilitational sliding machine and conventional neurological physical therapy on the balance of patients with hemiplegia

[Purpose] The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of exercise using a rehabilitational sliding machine and conventional neurological physical therapy on the balance of stroke patients. [Subjects] Forty patients with hemiplegia resulting from stroke were divided into a rehabilitational sliding machine exercise group (ST group, n=20) and a conventional neurological physiotherapy group (C group, n=20). [Methods] The STG underwent training with a rehabilitation sliding machine for 30 minutes per day, five times per week for eight weeks. The CG underwent training with a conventional neurological physiotherapy for 30 minutes per day, five times per week for eight weeks. [Results] The balance ability of both groups significantly improved. Although there were significant differences between the groups, the CG showed weight bearing on the affected side, an anterior range within the stability limits standing, and a posterior range within the stability limits standing. [Conclusion] The results of this study suggest that conventional neurological physiotherapy is a more dedicated, effective intervention than rehabilitational sliding training methods.