Asymmetrical posture during static stance has been identified as a common problem in persons with hemiplegia. This study examined the effect of a purposeful exercise training program on symmetrical weight bearing in three adult persons with hemiplegia. Multiple baseline design was used. The intervention program, including ball throwing and catching, rolling ball catching and throwing, and Swiss ball pulling and stopping was introduced for 15 minutes each day during each intervention phase. Quantitative measurement of the weight distribution was taken with the Limloader. Visual inspection and mean of data revealed a significant improvement in symmetrical weight distribution. This result suggests that a purposeful exercise training program can be effective in helping persons with hemiplegia achieve symmetric stances.

Weight bearing training on the involved leg is impotant for ambulation and activities of daily living in ambulatory hemiplegic patients. Traditionally, physical therapists have relied on exercise therapy and subjective evaluation. The goal for this study was to measure lower extremity weight distribution in standing with ten hemiplegic pations(M:8, F:2) and to determine the traing effect on symmetrical standing posture using a "Limloader". The Limloader is a machine designed for training symmetrical weight bearing posture. The results showed that the ability to keep the center of gravity within the limits for balance was improved significantly but the ability to adjust weight bearing on the involved leg was not (p<0.05). This study demostrated that hemiplegics can improved their symmetrical weight bearing ability using sensory biofeedback.

Biofeedback devices have been used successfully to improve head control and symmetrical walking in cerebral palsied children. Biofeedback of postural sway was investigated as a therapeutic technique to reduce postural abnormality in 24 selected children with cerebral palsy. Subjects were evaluated their weight distribution of both sides during their standing before and after the visual and auditory feedback training. The effectiveness of biofeedback was compared to conventional physical therapy practices in reestabilishing symmetrical standing in cerebral palsied children. Our study found biofeedback was effective in training symmetrical standing posture.