RESUMEN
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.
RESUMEN
Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) has been a well-established rehabilitative method for upper limb paralysis in patients post-stroke. In recent years, its application to lower limb paralysis (Lower limb CIMT, L-CIMT) has been reported. However, the reported intensive lower limb trainings do not seem enough to target behavioral modifications in an individual's daily life. In this study, we investigated the effects of L-CIMT including the transfer package to induce behavioral transformation in normal daily life of patients with lower limb paralysis. The L-CIMT including the transfer package was administered to three patients with chronic-phase stroke without any constraint on the healthy lower limb for 3.5 hours a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. As a result, standing balance and walking ability were improved immediately and within 6 months after the intervention, respectively. All three cases experienced increased daily opportunities for standing and walking. We believe that L-CIMT including the transfer package can bring both short- and long-term improvements in standing balance and walking ability. This can lead to an increase in the frequency of standing and walking in daily living, along with an expanded range of action in ADL and IADL in patients with chronic-phase stroke.
RESUMEN
Constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) has been a well-established rehabilitative method for upper limb paralysis in patients post-stroke. In recent years, its application to lower limb paralysis (Lower limb CIMT, L-CIMT) has been reported. However, the reported intensive lower limb trainings do not seem enough to target behavioral modifications in an individual's daily life. In this study, we investigated the effects of L-CIMT including the transfer package to induce behavioral transformation in normal daily life of patients with lower limb paralysis. The L-CIMT including the transfer package was administered to three patients with chronic-phase stroke without any constraint on the healthy lower limb for 3.5 hours a day, 5 days a week for 3 weeks. As a result, standing balance and walking ability were improved immediately and within 6 months after the intervention, respectively. All three cases experienced increased daily opportunities for standing and walking. We believe that L-CIMT including the transfer package can bring both short- and long-term improvements in standing balance and walking ability. This can lead to an increase in the frequency of standing and walking in daily living, along with an expanded range of action in ADL and IADL in patients with chronic-phase stroke.
RESUMEN
PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of a task-oriented upper arm exercise performed in a sitting position on either an unstable support surface or a stable support surface for children with cerebral palsy. METHODS: We prospectively evaluated 18 children with cerebral palsy. Eight subjects were randomly assigned to each of the stable and unstable support surface groups. We performed the upper arm exercise three times a week for 6 weeks. To confirm the effects of the intervention, the berg balance scale test, modified functional reaching test (MFRT), timed up and go test (TUG), and Jebsen-Taylor hand function test were conducted before and after the study. RESULTS: Significant differences were observed in MFRT and TUG between the experimental and control groups (p<0.05). In the Jebsen-Taylor hand function test, there were significant differences between the groups for the items picking up small objects, stacking checkers, lifting large light objects, and lifting large heavy objects (p<0.05), but not for writing and stimulation of feeding. Significant differences were observed between the groups in items of card turning, lifting large light objects, and lifting heavy objects. CONCLUSION: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of a task-oriented upper extremity exercise program for dynamic balance and hand function performed in a sitting position with either stable or unstable support by cerebral palsy patients. There were improvements in the two groups, but performing the exercise while sitting on an unstable support surface had a greater effect on dynamic balance and hand function than exercise while sitting on a stable supporting surface. The results of this study can be used to improve the daily lives of cerebral palsy patients.