The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of self-controlled learning using the (KR) feedback schedule versus the yoked KR on the acquisition and retention of balance training for individuals with hemiplegics. Sixteen hemiplegics were randomly assigned to either a self-controlled or yoked KR group. All subjects were ambulatory with or without an assistive device. The self-controlled group was provided with feedback whenever they requested it, whereas the yoked group had no influence on the feedback schedule. All subjects performed 10 acquisition trials and 10 retention trials the day after acquisition. The data were analyzed using an independent t-test and a Mann-Whitney U test. Participants in the self-controlled group achieved significantly more effective learning than the yoked group during the acquisition and retention test except anterior/posterior (AP) body sway. These results suggest that a feedback schedule which is controlled by the individuals with hemiplegics may be more effective in balancing training than a yoked KR which is not controlled by the subject.

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of lift to the shoe of the affected limb on gait patterns in subjects with hemiplegia. The subjects of this study were 18 post-stroke hemiplegics. For the study, insole of the paretic side was lifted 10mm higher, and duration of static weight bearing, dynamic weight bearing and stance phase were measured from one cycle of the gait, before and after the lift application. For the measurement of carry-over effect of lift, we got data of those three items prior to and 3 weeks after lift application and 3 days after removal of the lift. Static weight bearing was significantly increased both just after and continuous application of lift for 3 weeks than before. Dynamic weight bearing was significantly decreased in heel contact and footflat phases only when just after application of the lift, without any change after 3 weeks application. In heel-off phase, dynamic weight bearing did not show any significant difference between before and just after application of lift whereas significantly decreased after 3 weeks application. Duration of stance phase was not changed among anytime of application. According to this study, lift applied to the shoe of the peretic limb was effective in inducing static weight bearing in the paretic limb, but did not significantly effect dynamic weight bearing on gait patterns. This study suggests that symmetry, induced by shoe lift applied to the paretic limb, could help correct abnormal posture that would be caused in standing and prevent development of abnormal muscle tone in subjects with hemiplegia caused by unilateral stroke.