OBJECTIVE: The aims of this randomized controlled study were to compare the 12 weeks specialized physiotherapy program outcomes in stroke patients diagnosed with unilateral visual neglect (UVN), and to determine the follow-up results of one year. METHODS: The supervised exercise group (SE, n = 10) continued with standardized regular three sessions per week in the rehabilitation room. The home exercise group (HE, n = 10) patients were given written exercise program and were encouraged to exercise with weekly calling by the physical therapist through the intervention. Disability (Barthel Index-BI), mobility (Rivermead Mobility Index-RMI), posture (Postural Assessment for Stroke Scale-PASS), balance (Berg Balance Scale-BBS), and neglect severity in everyday tasks (Catherine Bergego Scale-CBS) were assessed before and after the treatment, and at the first year. RESULTS: The repeated measures ANOVA test was used to determine the group and time effect for all clinical variables. There was no significant time by group interaction for all outcomes, whereas time effect was significant for BI, PASS, RMI, BBS, and CBS scores (p < 0.05). After one year, the scores of the BI, PASS, RMI and BBS increased significantly in both groups compared with baseline values (p < 0.05). The CBS scores were highly correlated with the scores of the RMI, BBS, BI, and PASS (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The stroke patients with UVN may benefit from structured, intensive and progressive physiotherapy programs, focusing on balance and mobility rehabilitation, either supervised or home-based. These benefits may have retention when regular controls are not omitted.

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