THE EFFECT OF METRONOME AND CORE STRENGTHENING EXCERCISE TO IMPROVE DYNAMIC BALANCE AND GAIT IN STROKE PATIENTS

Objective: Stroke is a predominant cause of adult disability and ranks as the third leading cause of mortality in the Western Hemisphere. Approximately half of stroke survivors endure severe long-term disabilities, often characterized by balance impairments that hinder mobility, daily activities, and increase fall risk. Consequently, restoring mobility through effective gait training is a crucial rehabilitation goal. Recent studies have investigated the utility of auditory cues, such as metronome timing, to enhance hemiparetic gait, while core strengthening has gained recognition for its role in stabilizing the spine and body during movement. Methods: This study involved 40 participants divided into two groups. Group a, comprising 20 subjects, participated in a regimen of core strengthening exercises designed to enhance dynamic balance and gait, supplemented by general dynamic balance and gait training, and metronome-based balance and gait training. Group B, also consisting of 20 subjects, engaged solely in core strengthening exercises. The study was conducted over an eight-week period with assessments on days 1, 15, 40, and 60. Outcome measures included the tinetti gait and balance score and the Timed Up and Go (TUG) test. Results: The analysis demonstrated significant improvements in both balance and gait among stroke patients in Group A, as evidenced by higher Tinetti scores and lower TUG times (p = 0.00). These results indicate that the integration of metronome training with core strengthening exercises yields superior outcomes compared to core strengthening exercises alone. Conclusion: The study concludes that combining metronome training with core strengthening exercises significantly enhances balance and gait in stroke patients. This combined approach proves to be more effective than core strengthening alone, offering a robust strategy for improving gait and balance in stroke rehabilitation.