Thesis (Ph.D.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Basic Science

Background: The inability to maintain postural stability and balance is a common disabling residual deficit experienced by most of stroke survivors that considered a major risk factor for falling and functional dependence. There is an intimate relationship between anterior circulation stroke in middle cerebral artery territory affecting parieto insular region and vestibular dysfunctions. Evidence supports the effectiveness of vestibular rehabilitation for patients with central vestibular disorders. Purpose: sihT randomized controlled trial was designed to investigate the effect of vestibular rehabilitation on postural stability in anterior circulation stroke patients affecting middle cerebral artery territory parieto insular region. Methods: Thirty six patients (27 males, 9 females) participated in the study. Their age ranged from 43 to 69 years were diagnosed as anterior circulation stroke affecting parieto insular region, they were enrolled and assigned randomly into two groups: Control group received only conventional physical therapy treatment while experimental group received vestibular rehabilitation in addition to conventional treatment. Both groups performed three sessions per week for six consecutive weeks. All patients were assessed for postural stability using sensory organization test, berg balance scale and for gait performance using timed up and go test at baseline and after six weeks at end of the treatment. Results: Statistical analyses using mixed design MANOVA showed that there were statistical significant difference (p<0.05) in all outcome variables for both groups in favor to experimental group especially in berg balance scale scores, sensory organization test 5,6 and composite score. Conclusion: Vestibular rehabilitation may be a promising approach if it is integrated as a standard in the rehabilitation program for improving postural stability after anterior circulation stroke affecting parieto insular region

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