The Effects of Stair Gait Exercise on Static Balance Ability of Stroke Patients

[Purpose] This study examined the effects of stair gait exercise on the static balance ability of chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] The thirty stroke patients who participated in this experiment were randomly assigned to an experimental (n=15) or control (n=15) group. The experimental group performed stair gait exercise for 30 minutes, while the control group performed flat surface gait exercise for 30 minutes. The programs lasted four weeks, with both groups performing the exercises three times per week for 30 minutes each time. The stability balance ability of subjects was measured and compared before and after the interventions. [Results] The results of the experimental group showed a significantly different values, but those of the control group did not. Between- group comparison of changes in the anterior/posterior length in the limit of stability revealed significant increases in the experimental group but no significant increase in the control group. Only the surface area ellipse of Romberg, the length of Romberg, and length/area of Romberg showed significant differences between the two groups after the interventions. [Conclusion] The static balance ability improved in the group that performed the stair gait exercise. This study provides important data for identifying the recovery of balance ability through rehabilitation exercises in patients with nervous system diseases.