Effects of Task-Oriented and Strength Training on Upper Limb Recovery in Hemiplegic Stroke Patients

Abstract

Background: Ischemicstroke leads to the development of hemiplegia in the affected arm in more than 80% of the first-ever stroke cases, which impedes upper limb skills in performing daily living activities. Thus, this study aimed to determine the efficacies of two therapeuticexercise regimes in improving hand function in hemiplegic stroke patients after 12weeks of intervention. Methods: A total of 80 hemiplegic stroke patients were recruited and randomized into Group-A (n=40) and B (n=40), respectively. Group -A received Task-Oriented Training (TOT), while B received resistance training. Results: The findings revealed that both exercises were significantly useful (p<0.05) in improving the upper limb function of hemiplegic stroke patients on FMA-UE, ARAT, and DASH outcome measures. Conclusion: It was concluded that both strength training and TOT were effective in improving upper limb function for patients with hemiplegic stroke across all outcome measures and thus showed improved recovery. Keywords: Exercises, Hemiparesis, Stroke, Upper Limb.