Effectiveness of physiotherapy modification of Asymmetric- Symmetric Walking exercise on functional balance and independent walking in post-stroke hemiplegic patients

Eficacia de la modificación fisioterapéutica del ejercicio de Marcha Asimétrica–Simétrica sobre el equilibrio funcional y la marcha independiente en pacientes con hemiplejía post-ictus

Abstract

Objective: Stroke is a leading cause of long-term disability worldwide and often results in hemiplegia and gait impairments. Conventional rehabilitation strategies frequently lack adaptability to the asymmetrical gait patterns observed in post-stroke patients. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of Physiotherapy Modification Asymmetric–Symmetric Walking Exercise (PT-MASWE) in improving functional balance and independent walking among individuals with hemiplegic stroke. Methods: A one-group pretest-posttest design was employed, involving 60 hemiplegic post-stroke patients at the Physio Sakti Clinic, Makassar. The participants underwent PT-MASWE therapy twice a week for three weeks. The Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used to assess functional balance and independent walking at baseline, after the third, and sixth sessions. Statistical analyses were conducted using Friedman tests, with significance set at p < 0.05.