The effect of combined isometric and isotonic exercises on brain stroke patients’ static balance

Background: Balance in stroke patients because of damage to muscles and control centers of the body are disrupted. Aim: To determine the effect of combined isometric and isotonic exercises on brain stroke patients’ static balance. Method: In this clinical trial, 30 male patients with brain stroke were randomly allocated to one of experimental or control groups. An 8-week combined isometric and isotonic exercise program was performed at Ferdowsi University of Mashhad.  The program was performed for an hour three times a week. Before and after implementation of exercise program, the status of  subjects’ balance was measured by Biodex Stability System. The data were analyzed using independent and paired t-test (). Results: The mean age of men in the experimental and control group was 55.07±6.11 and 52.67±5.67, respectively.  There was a significant difference in the score of static (p=0.876), lateral (p=0.001) and anterior-posterior (p=0.805) balance in the experimental group after exercise program compared to the beginning of the study.  But no significant difference was seen in this score in the control group after intervention. Conclusion: The combined isometric and isotonic exercises have positive effect on the brain stroke patients’ static balance. Nurses can use of these exercises without any need to special equipments.