Effects of Balance Training on Patients with Spinal Cord Injury

Abstract. [Purpose] This study examined the effect of balance training on an unstable surface on patients with spinal cord injury (SCI). [Methods] Twelve inpatients, 7 in the experimental group and 5 in the control, at a rehabilitation hospital in Seoul were enrolled as subjects. The experimental group was treated with conventional physical therapy, and allowed to exercise on an unstable surface for 4 weeks (30 minutes a day, 5 times a week. reaching forward, to the right and left, and over the head holding a ball with both hands. The following variables were measured before and after training; Modified Functional Reach Test (MFRT), sway area, and sway velocity using a Balance Performance Monitor (BPM). [Results] There was a significant increase in the MFRT distance in the experimental group. The experimental group also showed a significant decrease in sway area with both opened and closed eyes after training. The experimental group showed a significant difference before and after training compared to the control, as shown by MFRT distance and swaying area. [Conclusion] Exercise on an unstable surface improves the sitting balance of patients with a spinal cord injury. This treatment can be recommended as an effective treatment program for patients with spinal cord injury.