The Effect of Action Observation Training on Balance in Patients with Chronic Stroke

This study examined the effects of action observations on the balance of patients with chronic stroke. The study period was between July 8, 2013 and August 10 2013. The participants were divided randomly into either the landscape picture observation group (n=20) and the action observation group (n=20). Each group observed the landscape pictures and video-recorded action-related balance for 5 minutes, respectively. Both groups had a balance training session for 10 minutes after the picture and video observations. The balance training sessions were repeated twice a day, three times a week for 6 weeks. As a result, significant improvement was noted in the action observation group than the landscape picture observation group for static balance and dynamic balance (p<.05). Consequently, the combination of action observation and balance training is believed to help improve the balance recovery for patients with chronic stroke.