• PNF and Movement
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• v.16 no.1
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• pp.93-103
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• 2018

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of goal-oriented side walking training on balance and gait in chronic stroke patients. Methods: This study involved 18 chronic stroke patients who were divided into an experimental group (n=9) and a control group (n=9). The experimental group performed goal-oriented side walking training, and the control group performed general side walking training. The walking variables assessed were walking speed, stride length, and 10-m walking time. The balance variables assessed were foot pressure, timed up and go test (TUG), and Berg balance scale (BBS). These variables were measured before and after the exercise. Wilcoxon's signed-rank test was used to compare the participants' performances before and after the intervention in both groups. The Mann-Whitney U test was conducted for between-group comparisons after the intervention. Statistical significance was set at ${\alpha}=0.05$ Results: Walking speed, stride length, 10-m walking time, TUG, and foot pressure were significantly improved in both groups after the exercise (p<0.05). The between-group comparison showed a significant improvement in the goal-oriented side walking group (p<0.05). However, there were no significant between-group differences in 10-m walking times (p>0.05) and BBS (p=0.05). Conclusion: The results revealed that goal-oriented side walking training was effective in improving the balancing and walking ability of chronic stroke patients.