ABSTRACT
Objective The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of task-oriented therapy and mirror therapy on improving hand function in post-stroke patients. Subjects and Methods Total subjects 30 were randomly divided into two groups: the task-oriented group (15 patients) and the mirror therapy group (15 patients). The task-oriented group underwent task-oriented training for 45mins a day for 5 days a week for 4 weeks. The mirror therapy group underwent a mirror therapy program under the same schedule as task-oriented therapy. The manual dexterity and motor functioning of the hand were evaluated before the intervention and 4 weeks after the intervention by using FMA (Fugl-Meyer assessment) and BBT (Box & Block test). Results Hand function of all patients increased significantly after the 4-week intervention program on the evaluation of motor function and manual dexterity by FMA and BBT in both the groups of Task-Oriented approach and Mirror therapy, but Group A Task-oriented approach improved more significantly when compared to Group B Mirror therapy. Conclusion The treatment effect was more in patients who received a Task-Oriented approach compared to Mirror therapy. These findings suggest that the Task-Oriented approach was more effective in post stoke hand function rehabilitation.