Effects of One Session of Balance Exercises Combined With Olfactory Stimulation on the Static and Dynamic Balance of Patients With Stroke: A Randomized Clinical Trial

Balance disorder in patients with stroke can cause the loss of independence and increase possibility of falling. The olfactory stimuli can activate the brain areas involved in balance activities. This study aims to investigate the effect of balance exercises combined with olfactory stimuli on the balance of patients with stroke.

In this randomized clinical trial, 32 patients with stroke were randomly assigned into groups of balance+olfactory stimulation and balance. The first group performed the balance exercises while wearing a mask containing the lavender essential oil. The second group performed the balance exercises while wearing a mask containing distilled water. Both groups performed the exercises for 20 min at one session. The timed up & go (TUG) test, 10-m walk test with self-selected speed, and Mini-Balance Evaluation Systems Test (Mini-BEST) were used for assessments. The data were analyzed in SPSS software, version 22. P<0.05 was statistically significant.

The mean score of 10-m walk test before and after the intervention was significantly different (decreased) in the combined group (P=0.001) and balance group (P<0.001). The mean TUG score before and after the intervention was also significantly different (decreased) in the combined group (P= 0.008) and balance group (P=0.003). The mean score of mini-BEST before and after the intervention was also significantly different (increased) in the combined group (P=0.001) and balance group (P= 0.008). No significant difference was observed in the mean scores of 10-m walk test (P=0.386), TUG test (P=0.720) and mini-BEST (P=0.152) between the two groups before and after the intervention.

One session of balance exercise can improve the static and dynamic balances of patients with stroke. Including the olfactory stimulation by the lavender essential oil in the balance exercise program has no significant effect. It is recommended that the effects of long-term use of different olfactory stimuli on the balance of patients with stroke should be investigated in the future studies.