Introduction
Stroke is an acute onset of neurological dysfunction due to an abnormality in cerebral circulation with resultant signs and symptoms that correspond to the involvement of focal areas of the brain [1].
To be classified as stroke, focal neurological deficits must persist for at least 24 hours [1].
Clinically, there is a variety of deficits, with the severity of neurological deficits varying from individual to individual depending on the location and extent of lesion [2].
In different parts of India, several population-based surveys on stroke were conducted.
During the past decade, the ageadjusted prevalence rate of stroke was 250e350/100,000.
Stroke represents 1.2% of the total mortality in India [3].
Following stroke, the inability to rise to stand independently can prevent independent function during activities of daily living. It is common for patients with hemiplegia to demonstrate considerable asymmetry of weight distribution during rising to stand, with significantly increased weight bearing on the unaffected side [4].
Chou et al [5] suggested that sit-to-stand (STS) and gait parameters were correlated significantly with rising speed and maximal vertical force of both legs during rising. Cheng et al [6] studied dynamic postural control in patients with stroke and their results indicated that these individuals tended to fall easily and that the risk of falling toward the paretic side
was high. Garland et al [7] also reported that standingbalance plays an important role in functional mobility afterstroke.