What this Trial Is About

Falls in daily life pose a serious risk for people who have had a stroke, especially due to impaired balance control. Researchers are evaluating a new type of balance training called reactive balance training (RBT), which involves practicing responses to balance disturbances to reduce fall risk. This trial aims to find the best intensity of RBT that improves balance reactions after stroke, comparing high-intensity, moderate-intensity, and walking control groups. The study focuses on how quickly balance reactions improve with different training intensities and whether high-intensity training leads to faster improvements without negative effects. Participants will be randomly assigned to one of three groups: high-intensity RBT, moderate-intensity RBT, or a walking control group. The training involves 4 sessions lasting 1 hour each within a week. In the RBT groups, participants experience platform movements that cause them to lose balance forward, left, or right. The high-intensity group faces platform movements 50% faster than their personal balance challenge threshold, while the moderate group trains at that threshold. The walking group walks on the platform without movements. The study uses a special platform that moves to test and train participants' balance reactions. Throughout the study, participants' balance responses are assessed after each session and one week later to measure improvement and retention. Researchers track the number of steps taken to regain balance, which reflects the effectiveness of balance reactions. They also monitor for any adverse effects. The study includes evaluations of functional balance, confidence in avoiding falls, and participation in daily activities. The total participation lasts just over one week, including training and follow-up assessments.

Optimal Intensity of Reactive Balance Training Post-stroke