Balance Training After Stroke With REWIRE (REWIRESI)

Balance Training With the Rehabilitative Wayout In Responsive Home Environments (REWIRE) System in Patients After Stroke

The study will include 20 patients after troke, randomly assigned to the experimental and control group (10 each). In both groups, the program with last for five days; walking and balance will be assessed before and after the program. Both groups will receive regular neurophysiotherapy; in addition, the experimental group will exercise each day by playing REWIRE games, while the control group will perform standing balance exercises.

Detailed inclusion and exclusion criteria are specified in the appropriate section. Both groups will perform the additional exercises for 15 minutes daily. In addition to the outcome measurement, informal feedback will be obtained from the patients and the therapists on the feasibility of the REWIRE system.

First, the patient will play the Fruit Catcher (weight transfer) game on the 3rd level for 3 minutes, followed by 3 minutes of rest. Next, the patient will play the Horse Runner (squats) on the 3rd level for 3 minutes, followed by 3 minutes of rest. In the end, the patient will play the Animal Hurdler (standing on one leg) on the 3rd level for 3 minutes. During the games, the patient will be standing on the Wii Balance Board, holding to a firm support if necessary. During the rest periods, the patients will be sitting. A physiotherapist will be present throughout the exercise for safety and help if requested.

The patient will first practice balance transfer for 3 minutes (standing by a ladder, holding position on each leg for 3 seconds), followed by 3 minutes of rest. Next, the patient will be performing squats for 3 minutes, followed by 3 minutes of rest. In the end, the patient will practice alternatively lifting lower limbs (like stepping on a footstool) for 3 minutes. During the rest periods, the patients will be sitting. A physiotherapist will be present throughout the exercise for safety and help if requested.

Inclusion Criteria: first stroke first admission to inpatient rehabilitation Exclusion Criteria: less than 25 points scored on the Mini-Mental State Examination inability to walk independently

Cikajlo I, Rudolf M, Mainetti R, Borghese NA. Multi-Exergames to Set Targets and Supplement the Intensified Conventional Balance Training in Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Pilot Trial. Front Psychol. 2020 Apr 2;11:572. doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2020.00572. eCollection 2020.