In stroke rehabilitation, which target is used to address asymmetric weight bearing?

• A. Delayed APAs
• B. Impaired stepping responses
• C. Trunk control deficits
• D. Promote symmetrical weight shifts

Answer: (D)

Promoting symmetrical weight shifts addresses asymmetric weight bearing. When one limb bears less load after a stroke, the body’s balance and gait become inefficient and unstable. Training that encourages loading both legs more evenly during standing, weight transfers, and sit-to-stand tasks helps rebalance sensory input and motor output, leading to improved stability and step symmetry. While delayed anticipatory postural adjustments, impaired stepping responses, and trunk control deficits can influence balance, they are not the direct intervention for correcting unequal loading in the standing and weight-shifting context. Focusing on equal weight distribution provides the most targeted improvement for this specific impairment.