Prism adaptation improves postural imbalance in neglect patients

Several studies have found a negative relation between neglect and postural imbalance. The aim of the current study was to investigate the influence of a single session of prism adaptation on balance [i.e. mediolateral and anteroposterior center of pressure (CoP)] and postural sway (i.e. mean variance of displacement in horizontal and vertical planes) in neglect patients. CoP and postural sway were measured in a single session while sitting unaided on a Wii Balance Board. With respect to mediolateral as well as anteroposterior CoP, there was an improvement in postural imbalance after prism adaptation when measurements were performed with the eyes open, but not with the eyes closed. With respect to postural sway, only horizontal sway was significantly reduced after prism adaptation, but no changes were found for vertical sway. Prism adaptation may produce the recalibration of disturbed representation of space as well as higher-level representations of extrapersonal and internal body space (i.e. internal body midline). Given the important role of postural control in daily life functioning in stroke patients, this study might open possibilities for a successful rehabilitation procedure to alleviate deficits in postural imbalance.