Abstract

Background: Majority of stroke survivors suffer problems of balance due to abnormal pattern of weight distribution on their lower extremities. Objectives: The study was aimed to asses body weight distribution on the lower extremities of stroke survivors and healthy controls in quite stance and while reaching for an object. Methods: forty two people with stroke (age 62.90±7.70; 22 males) and forty two controls (age 39.30±13.73; 22 males) were asked to stand with each leg on a separate weighing scale and reach for three object placed 29.6 cm away from each other, one in the centre and two lateral to it on either side and 56 cm from the floor. Results: People with stroke showed significant difference (P< 0.05) in weight distribution on the lower limbs in quite standing and all the reaching except for reaching to the affected side. In apparently healthy group, result showed significant difference (P< 0.05) in weight distribution on the lower limb in quite standing (Placing more weight on their right lower limb) and all the reaching tasks. Conclusion: stroke survivors bear more weight on their unaffected side but those with right side affectation bore more weight on their affected side than those with left side affectation.

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