Effects of task-oriented training on upper extremity functional performance in patients with sub-acute stroke: a randomized controlled trial

• Published in: Journal of Physical Therapy Science Vol. 31; no. 1; pp. 82 - 87
• Main Authors: Thant, Aye Aye, Wanpen, Sawitri, Nualnetr, Nomjit, Puntumetakul, Rungthip, Chatchawan, Uraiwan, Hla, Khin Myo, Khin, Myo Thuzar
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Japan The Society of Physical Therapy Science 01.01.2019; Japan Science and Technology Agency
• Subjects: Original; Stroke; Sub-acute stroke; Task-oriented training; Upper limb; Sub-acute stroke; Task-oriented training; Upper limb
• ISSN: 0915-5287; 2187-5626
• DOI: 10.1589/jpts.31.82

[Purpose] The present study aimed to determine the effects of a task-oriented training on paretic upper extremity functional performance in patients with subacute stroke. [Participants and Methods] Twenty-eight subacute stroke sufferers (mean age: 50.07, standard deviation 9.31 years; mean time since stroke 11.11, standard deviation 6.73 weeks) were randomly allocated to task-oriented training (n=14) or conventional exercise program (n=14) group. They were trained as a hospital-based, individualized training 1 hour a session, 5 sessions a week for 4 weeks. Wolf Motor Function Test (primary outcome), motor portion of Fugl-Meyer assessment upper extremity, and hand function domain of Stroke Impact Scale were assessed at baseline, after 2 and 4 weeks of training. [Results] All participants completed their training programs. At all post-training assessments, the task-oriented training group showed significantly more improvements in all outcomes than the conventional exercise program group. No serious adverse effects were observed during or after the training. [Conclusion] Task-oriented training produced statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvements of paretic upper extremity functional performance in patients with subacute stroke. These beneficial effects were observed after 2 weeks (10 hours) of training. Future investigation is warranted to confirm and expand these findings.