Effectiveness of Task-Oriented Balance Training Versus Perturbation-Based Training as Adjuncts to Conventional Physiotherapy in Stroke Rehabilitation

Background: Balance impairment and reduced functional mobility are common consequences of stroke and can limit independence in activities of daily living. Conventional physiotherapy plays an important role in stroke rehabilitation; however, incorporating specific balance-training strategies may further improve postural control and mobility. Taskoriented balance training focuses on practising functional activities, whereas perturbation-based balance training aims to improve postural responses to balance disturbances. Comparative evidence regarding their effectiveness when combined with conventional physiotherapy remains an important area of investigation.  Objective: To compare the effects of Task-Oriented Balance Training and Perturbation-Based Balance Training, when combined with conventional physiotherapy, in improving balance and functional mobility among stroke patients.  Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on 30 subacute stroke patients aged 40–70 years. Participants were randomly allocated into two groups: Group A (TOBT + conventional physiotherapy) and Group B (PBBT + conventional physiotherapy), with 15 patients in each group. Both groups received intervention for 4 weeks, three sessions per week. Outcome measures included the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) and Barthel Index (BI), assessed before and after the intervention period.