This randomized controlled trial aims to evaluate the effects of task-specific training with and without biofeedback compared to conventional physical therapy on balance and fall risk in chronic ischemic stroke patients in Lahore, Pakistan. Sixty-six participants will be randomly allocated into three groups: Group 1 (task-specific training with biofeedback), Group 2 (task-specific training without biofeedback), and Group 3 (conventional physical therapy). The intervention will span 12 weeks, consisting of 36 sessions. Key outcome measures include the Berg Balance Scale, Timed Up and Go Test, and the Barthel Index. Assessments will be conducted at baseline, post-intervention, and three-month follow-up. The study hypothesizes that the use of biofeedback in task-specific training will produce significantly greater improvements in balance and reduced fall risk compared to conventional rehabilitation strategies. The study is being conducted at Shadman Medical Center in Lahore and is part of a PhD project from Lincoln University College.
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Task-Specific Training with Biofeedback
BehavioralParticipants in this group will undergo task-specific training focused on improving balance and reducing fall risk. Real-time biofeedback (e.g., visual or auditory cues) will be integrated into the training to enhance motor learning and postural adjustments. Sessions will be supervised and conducted multiple times per week over the intervention period.
Task-Specific Training without Biofeedback
BehavioralParticipants will receive task-specific training aimed at improving balance and fall prevention without any biofeedback assistance. The same set of functional exercises and session frequency will be followed as in the experimental group, ensuring the only difference is the absence of feedback stimuli.
conventional stroke rehabilitation
BehavioralParticipants in this group will receive conventional post-stroke physical therapy following standard rehabilitation protocols. Interventions will include strengthening, stretching, balance exercises, and functional mobility tasks. Sessions will be conducted three times per week for 12 weeks, with each session lasting approximately one hour. The duration and frequency will match the experimental groups, ensuring comparability.
Balance performance as measured by Berg Balance Scale (BBS)
The BBS will assess balance performance across 14 items related to functional tasks such as sitting, standing, reaching, and turning. It is a widely validated tool in stroke rehabilitation.
Risk of falls as measured by the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test
The TUG test measures functional mobility and fall risk. The time (in seconds) to rise from a chair, walk 3 meters, turn, return, and sit is recorded. Lower times indicate better mobility and lower fall risk.
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Syed Ali Behram Subazwari
Lead sponsor
Lincoln University College
Sponsor institution
Lincoln University College Malaysia
Collaborator
