Abstract: Objective To compare the effects of BOSU ball exercise and treadmill walking on lower limbs function in patients after stroke. Methods 40 patients more than 6 months after stroke were randomly divided into BOSU ball group (n=20) and treadmill group (n=20), who accepted BOSU ball or treadmill exercise on the basis of routine rehabilitation. They were assessed with Berg Balance Scale (BBS), 30-s chair stand (CS-30), sit and reach (SR), 6 minutes walk test (6MWT) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) before and 12 weeks after treatment. Results The scores of all the assessment improved in both groups after treatment (P<0.05), and the socres of BBS and MBI improved more in the BOSU ball group than in the treadmill group (P<0.05). Conclusion BOSU ball exercise can improve more of the balance and activities of daily living in post-stroke patient than treadmill walking.

Key words: stroke, BOSU ball exercise, treadmill exercise, lower limbs, motor function, activities of daily living, balance