Sensory stimulation for restoring postural control and body symmetry in post-stroke patients: a translational study comparing novel rehabilitation approaches with standard therapy
Patients who have had a stroke and healthy volunteers
Experimental group Participants will undergo an initial assessment of their sitting and standing balance using stabilometric and accelerometric measurements. Baseline postural parameters and limits of stability will be recorded. The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) will be administered (day 0). As part of their inpatient rehabilitation, participants will receive a sensory intervention involving voluntary trunk tilt training using visual biofeedback from the center of pressure displacement, either alone or combined with muscle vibration, in addition to the conventional rehabilitation program for stroke survivors (days 1-8). Duration of sensory intervention: 8 days, 1 training (lasting 30 minutes) per day. Participants will undergo a final assessment of their sitting and standing balance using stabilometric and accelerometric measurements. Postural parameters and limits of stability will be recorded, and the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) will be administered to evaluate any effects related to the sensory intervention (day 9). Control group Participants will undergo an initial assessment of their sitting and standing balance using stabilometric and accelerometric measurements. Baseline postural parameters and limits of stability will be recorded. The Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) will be administered (day 0). As part of their inpatient rehabilitation, participants will receive a conventional rehabilitation program for stroke survivors only (days 1-8). Participants will undergo a final assessment of their sitting and standing balance using stabilometric and accelerometric measurements. Postural parameters and limits of stability will be recorded, and the Trunk Impairment Scale (TIS) and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) will be administered (day 9). Randomization will be performed using the sealed envelope method to allocate participants into the experimental and control arms. Healthy volun
1. History of first stroke diagnosed using computed tomography and/or magnetic resonance imaging 2. Within 7 days to 6 months from the onset 3. Having a hemiparesis 4. Age 18 - 85 years 5. Able to sit and/or stand without support 6. Minimum ankle range of motion: 10 degrees 7. Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) score <2 (0: no resistance, 5: rigid in flexion or extension) 8. Signed informed consent
1. Inability to maintain a sitting and/or standing position for 30 s 2. Having communication difficulties or a lack of consent to participate 3. Neglect syndrome 4. Neurodegenerative disorders 5. Unstable or severe health conditions 6. Contraindications for stimulation intolerance 7. Severe musculoskeletal impairments 8. Orthopedic surgery involving the upper and lower limbs within the past 6 months 9. Cognitive impairment (MMSE <23, MoCa <23)