Comparison of Task Oriented Therapy and Modified Constraint Induced Movement Therapy along with Functional Electrical Stimulation to Improve Hand Function In Sub Acute Stroke survivors: a Randomized Control Trial

Background: The study aims to investigate the effectiveness of 6 weeks of two-channel functionalelectrical stimulation assisted hand training along with Task Oriented Training and Modified ConstraintInduced Movement Therapy on the restoration of hand function in subacute stroke patients. Trial design: AMulti–group pre test–post test design randomized controlled study was conducted with 30 individuals withupper-limb motor impairment after stroke. Method: Participants was randomly assigned into three groupsFES-TOT, FES- mCIMT and FES-Ctrl groups. All participants were treated for 90 minutes a day, 5 timesa week for 6 weeks. Hand function was assessed by Action Research Arm Test score (primary outcome),Grip strength, Pinch strength and Stroke Impact Scale (secondary outcome). Result: There was statisticalsignificance (p FES-mCIMT,) showed more improvement in ARAscore and grip strength (lateral pinch and three jaw chuck pinch) as compared to control group (FES-CTRL).Conclusion: It is concluded that training with FES along with TOT is more effective in improving Handfunction and grip strength as compared to mCIMT and conventional hand rehabilitation. However studieswith large sample size are required for generalizability of the finding based on statistical analysis.Trial registration: Clinical Trial Registration India CTRI/2019/06/019940 dated 28 June 2019.