Effects of perceptual learning exercises on standing balance using a hardness discrimination task in hemiplegic patients following stroke: a randomized controlled pilot trial

Objective: To investigate the effect of perceptual learning exercises for hardness discrimination by the soles on standing balance in stroke patients with hemiplegia. Subjects: Twenty-eight subjects were randomly assigned to an experimental or a control group and participated in a rehabilitation programme. Intervention: The experimental group received perceptual learning exercises on hardness discrimination using three different levels of hardness of a rubber sponge for 10 days. Main measures: Length, enveloped area and rectangular area of the parameter of postural sway were measured by a stabilometer on entry into the study and after 10 days. Results: Twenty-six subjects completed the study. Data indicate that more parameters indicating postural sway were significantly decreased in the experimental group than in the control group. Also, there was a significant difference between the groups in change scores (pre-exercise minus post-exercise) of length and enveloped area. Conclusion: The plantar perception exercise used as a method in this study is considered to be effective as a supplemental exercise for standing balance. The possibility of clinical application using the hardness discrimination task with rubber as a balance exercise is therefore suggested.