Efficacy of Sensory Reweighting Techniques for Balance and Risk of Fall in Chronic Ischemic Stroke Patients
Montiha Azeem
46 participants
Feb 15, 2026
INTERVENTIONAL
Conditions
Summary
This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the effectiveness of sensory reweighting techniques on balance and risk of falls in individuals with chronic ischemic stroke. A total of 46 participants will be recruited using purposive sampling and randomly assigned into two groups through the sealed envelope method. Balance and fall risk will be assessed using the Berg Balance Scale and the Timed Up and Go test at baseline and after completion of the intervention. Participants in the experimental group will receive sensory reweighting-based balance training three times per week for eight weeks, incorporating altered sensory conditions such as reduced visual input, unstable surfaces, and vestibular challenges. The control group will receive conventional balance training of similar duration and intensity without sensory manipulation. Both groups will also receive standard physiotherapy throughout the intervention period. Ethical approval will be obtained prior to data collection, written informed consent will be secured from all participants, and confidentiality and voluntary participation will be ensured.
Eligibility
Inclusion Criteria6
- Diagnosed case of chronic ischemic stroke (duration \>6 months post-stroke)
- Both male and female patients with age range 40-60 years .
- Able to stand and walk at least 10 feet (with or without assistive devices).
- Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) score ≥24 (to ensure adequate cognitive ability to follow instructions).
- Medically stable and cleared by a physician to participate in balance training.
- Experiencing balance impairment and/or history of at least one fall in the past 6 months
Exclusion Criteria6
- Hemorrhagic stroke patients or mixed stroke types
- Severe visual, auditory, or vestibular impairments not correctable by aids (which would interfere with sensory reweighting assessment).
- Other neurological conditions (e.g., Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, peripheral neuropathy).
- Musculoskeletal disorders significantly affecting balance (e.g., recent fracture, severe arthritis).
- On medications that severely affect balance or cause dizziness (e.g., sedatives, high-dose antiepileptic.
- Severe aphasia or communication disorders impeding participation in the intervention
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Interventions
Participants will receive sensory reweighting-based balance training aimed at improving postural control by enhancing the central nervous system's ability to integrate visual, vestibular, and somatosensory inputs. Training will be conducted three times per week for eight weeks, with 45-minute sessions including warm-up, core balance exercises, and cool-down. Exercises will be performed under altered sensory conditions, such as standing on foam surfaces, performing tasks with eyes closed, head movements during stance and gait, and dual-task activities. Task difficulty will be progressively increased based on individual tolerance while maintaining safety.
Participants will receive conventional balance training without sensory reweighting components. The program will be delivered three times per week for eight weeks, with each session lasting approximately 45 minutes. Exercises will focus on static and dynamic balance tasks such as standing with a narrow base, sit-to-stand practice, and forward/backward walking. No manipulation of sensory input will be included. Training intensity and duration will be matched to the experimental group to ensure comparability of outcomes.
Locations(1)
View Full Details on ClinicalTrials.gov
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NCT07404371