Effect of Incorporating Perceptual Learning Into Plantar Hardness Discrimination on the Risk of Falling and Muscle Torque in Patients With Hemiplegia

OBJECTIVES: This study aims to evaluate the impact of perceptual training involving plantar hardness discrimination on fall risk and muscle torque in individuals with hemiplegia. DESIGN: A randomized controlled trial was conducted in thirty-four stroke patients were randomly assigned to the study and control groups in equal numbers and assessed both before and after treatment. The outcome evaluations comprised fall risk assessment by the Biodex Balance System (BBS), the Isokinetic assessment of lower-limb muscle torque, and the Functional Independent Measures Scale (FIM). Each group was given a selected physical treatment program, while the study group also received perceptual learning with plantar hardness discrimination. RESULTS: Post-treatment comparison revealed that the study group exhibited a significantly lower risk of falling than the control group (P <0.001, effect size [ES]=1.48). Similarly, knee extensors torque increased significantly in the study group relative to the control group (P <0.001, ES=1.19). Additionally, the study group showed a significant rise in FIM scores compared with the control group (P <0.001, ES=1.56). CONCLUSIONS: For stroke patients, incorporating perceptual learning into plantar hardness discrimination in the rehabilitation program is regarded as beneficial physical therapy neurorehabilitation for enhancing risk of falling, lower limb muscle torque and function.