Effect of transcranial direct current stimulation combined with task-oriented rehabilitation training on forelimb motor dysfunction in rats with spinal cord injury / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo observe the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) combined with task-oriented rehabilitation training single pellet reaching and grasping (SPG) on the motor function of forelimb in rats with unilateral contusion of C5 spinal cord. MethodsA total of 60 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham operation group (sham group), spinal cord injury (SCI) group, tDCS group, SPG group, false group and tDCS+SPG group, with ten rats in each group. Only C5 lamina was removed in the sham group, and the C5 spinal cord contusion model was established by IH spinal cord impactor in the other five groups. The rats received tDCS in tDCS group, SPG in SPG group, tDCS without current in false group, tDCS combined with SPG in tDCS+SPG group, and no treatment in the SCI and the sham groups. The rats were evaluated with Rearing and Grooming tests, and motor-evoked potential (MEP). ResultsFour weeks after operation, compared with SCI group, the scores of Rearing and Grooming increased in tDCS group and tDCS+SPG group (P < 0.05), and they were more in the tDCS+SPG group than in tDCS group and SPG group (P < 0.05); the score of Grooming increased in SPG group (P < 0.05); while the amplitude of MEP increased in tDCS group, SPG group and tDCS+SPG group (P < 0.05), and the latency shortened in tDCS group and tDCS+SPG group (P < 0.05); and the amplitude increased more in tDCS+SPG group than in tDCS group and SPG group (P < 0.01). ConclusiontDCS could promote the recovery of motor function in rats with SCI, and the combination therapy of tDCS and task-oriented rehabilitation training is more effective.

Effect of robot-assisted bilateral task-oriented upper limb training on upper limb function of patients with stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect of robot-assisted bilateral task-oriented upper limb training on upper limb function of patients with stroke. MethodsFrom January, 2021 to June, 2022, 52 patients with stroke in the Second Hospital of Jiaxing were enrolled and randomized into control group (n = 26) and experimental group (n = 26). Both groups received routine treatment. The control group added conventional bilateral upper limb training, while the experimental group added robot-assisted bilateral task-oriented upper limb training, for six weeks. Before and after treatment, the upper limb motor function and activities of daily living were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Upper Extremity (FMA-UE) and modified Barthel Index (MBI). The upper limb proprioception test system was used to measure the average trace error (ATE) and test execution time of the upper limb. ResultsBefore treatment, there was no significant difference in the scores of FMA-UE and MBI, and ATE and test execution time between two groups (P > 0.05). After treatment, all the indexes improved significantly in both groups (|t| > 5.400, P < 0.001), and were better in the experimental group than in the control group (|t| > 2.123, P < 0.05). ConclusionRobot-assisted bilateral task-oriented upper limb training could facilitate to improve the upper limb motor function and activities of daily living of stroke patients.

Effect of task-oriented training on hand dexterity, grip strength, and function among institutionalized geriatric population

Background: The hand is the most active and important part of the upper extremity with complex functional biomechanics and anatomy. The decline in hand grip strength and dexterity with age can adversely affect functional activities. Task?oriented training (TOT) is a treatment approach focused on functional activities of daily life. Aim: To investigate the effect of TOT on hand dexterity, grip strength, and hand function in the geriatric population. Subjects and Methods: Sixteen institutionalized geriatric participants were recruited based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria and assigned to Group A experimental group (nine participants) who received TOT for 4 weeks, 3 days/week along with routine activities and Group B control group (seven participants) who were involved in routine activities only. Gross dexterity was assessed using the box and block test, fine dexterity with nine?hole peg board, hand grip strength with hand dynamometer, and hand function with the Michigan hand outcome questionnaire. The statistical analysis with Student’s t?test was performed using the SPSS software. The significance level kept as P ? 0.05. Results: The analysis expressed significant improvement in gross and fine hand dexterity and grip strength among the experimental group. The hand function did not reveal a statistically significant change. Conclusion: A 4?week TOT program is an effective measure to improve gross and fine dexterity, and muscle grip strength in the geriatric population. For improvement in hand function, a longer training may be required

Family-centered task-oriented training can significantly improve the functional independence and life quality of children with spastic cerebral palsy / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe the effect of a family-centered task-oriented training (TOT) program on the functional independence and life quality of children with spastic cerebral palsy.Methods:A total of 62 children with spastic cerebral palsy were randomly divided into a control group ( n=31) and a TOT group ( n=31). The children in the control group were given family rehabilitation training according to the discharge instruction manual, while the children in the TOT group received family-centered TOT. Both groups trained for 1 hour once a day, 5 days a week for 6 months. The mobility, functional independence and life quality of the two groups were evaluated with the pediatric evaluation of disability inventory (PEDI), functional independence measures for Chinese children (WeeFIM) and a pediatric quality of life inventory (PedsQL) before and after 3 and 6 months of treatment. Results:After 6 months there was significant improvement in the average mobility, WeeFIM and PedsQL scores of both groups. The average mobility, WeeFIM and PedsQL scores of the TOT group were then significantly better than those of the control group.Conclusion:Family-centered TOT training can significantly improve the functional independence and life quality of children with spastic cerebral palsy.

The rehabilitative effect of task-oriented training for stroke survivors / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective:To observe any effect of task-oriented training in the activities of daily living (ADL) for stroke patients.Methods:Sixty-two hemiplegic stroke survivors were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group, each of 31. In addition to routine occupational therapy, the control group exercised on their own, while the experimental group underwent 45-minute task-oriented training sessions based on ADL action analysis every day, 5 days a week for 6 weeks consecutively. Before and after the treatment the upper limb functioning of both groups was quantified using Fugl-Meyer upper limb motor function scoring (FMA-UE) and Brunnstrom staging (BSS). ADL skill was assessed using the modified Barthel index (MBI).Results:After the treatment, the average FMA-UE and MBI scores of both groups were significantly better than before the treatment and better than the control group′s averages. The average BSS scores had also improved significantly, with that of the experimental group significantly better than the control group′s average.Conclusions:Task-oriented training based on ADL motion analysis can significantly improve upper limb motor functioning and ADL ability after a stroke despite hemiplegia. Its efficacy is better than that of conventional occupational therapy alone.

Application of task-oriented method combined with two-way evaluation in hypertension nursing teaching / 中华医学教育探索杂志

Objective:To explore the application of task-orientated method combined with two-way evaluation in hypertension nursing teaching.Methods:A total of 90 nursing students who practiced in the Department of Cardiovascular Medicine, Haikou Affiliated Hospital of Central South University Xiangya School of Medicine from September 2019 to December 2020 were selected as the research objects. According to the order of their admission, the nursing students were divided into control group and research group, with 45 students in each group. The control group used traditional teaching, while the research group used task-orientated method combined with two-way evaluation. At the end of the practice, the two groups of practice nursing students were compared to evaluate the teaching quality of teaching teachers, meanwhile the two groups of teaching teachers evaluated the quality of practice nursing students. SPSS 22.0 was used for t test. Results:The four aspects (teaching attitude, teaching method, teaching content and teaching effect) of the nursing students' evaluation on the teachers in the research group were higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). The three aspects (theoretical knowledge, professional nursing skills and comprehensive quality) of the teachers' evaluation on the students in the study group were higher than those in the control group, and the difference was statistically significant ( P<0.05). Conclusion:The task-orientated method combined with two-way evaluation can improve the teaching quality of clinical nursing teaching and the recognition of clinical nursing students to the teaching quality of teaching teachers, so as to promote teaching and learning.

Efficacy of task-oriented training for rehabilitation of stroke patients with hemiplegia in community / 中华全科医师杂志

Objective:To evaluate the efficacy of task-oriented training for rehabilitation of stroke patients with hemiplegia in the community.Methods:Eighty stroke patients with hemiplegia receiving rehabilitation in Shanghai Babsongyuan Subdistrict Community Health Service Center from January 2017 to December 2019 were enrolled in the study. According to the rehabilitation methods, the patients were divided into the observation group (42 cases) and the control group (38 cases). Both groups were given routine Bobath technique and motor relearning method for 3 months; on this basis the observation group was given additional task-oriented training. The Brunnstrum stage was used to evaluate the limb function, Bobath balance scale was used to evaluate the sitting and standing balance function, and modified Barthel Index (MBI) was used to evaluate the activities of daily living.Results:The Brunnstrum stage of upper limbs, hands and lower limbs, Bobath sitting and standing balance function classification and MBI score of the two groups were significantly improved after treatment (the observation group: Uc=5.037, 4.567, 5.228, 2.538, 6.508, t=36.215, P<0.05; the control group: Uc=2.483, 2.311, 2.335, 2.200, 4.102, t=29.260, P<0.05). While the Brunnstrum stage of upper limb, hand and lower limb, Bobath sitting and standing balance function grade of observation group were significantly better than those of control group, MBI score was significantly higher than that of control group ( Uc=2.592, 2.243, 2.897, 2.018, 2.825, t=8.375, P<0.05). Conclusion:Bobath technique and motor relearning method combined with task-oriented training can significantly enhance the recovery of limb motor function and the improvement of activities of daily living of stroke patients.

Comparison of two circuit class therapy programs on walking capacity, gait velocity and stair ambulation among patients with chronic stroke: a parallel pretest-posttest pilot study

OBJECTIVE@#Circuit class therapy is a cost-efficient model of treatment that can be beneficial in a setting with limited resources. Current literature has conflicting results regarding which is a more effective approach to stroke rehabilitation: focusing on functional training or on improving impairments. This pilot study provides preliminary information comparing the effects of a task-oriented versus an impairment-focused circuit class therapy on walking ability among patients with chronic stroke.@*METHOD@#Eighteen participants with a single episode of chronic stroke and limited mobility were randomized into task-oriented circuit class (task group) (n=9) and impairment-focused circuit class (impairment group) (n=9). Both groups underwent intervention thrice a week for four weeks. Blind examination was done using the Ten Meter Walk Test for comfortable gait velocity (CGV) and fast gait velocit(FGV), Time Up and Down Stairs (TUDS), and Six Minute Walk Test (6MWT).@*RESULTS@#All participants completed the treatment sessions without adverse effects. After four weeks of treatment, the task group showed statistically significant within-group change in CGV (0.12±0.08, p=0.003) and FGV (0.25±0.22, p=0.007). The impairment group only showed statistically significant improvement in 6MWT (25.80±31.2, p=0.038). There were no statistically significant changes between the groups in all outcome measures.@*CONCLUSIONS@#The preliminary data from this pilot study suggest either program can improve walking-related outcomes and may not be different, although this needs to be confirmed using an appropriately-powered trial.

Efeitos de um programa fisioterapêutico com terapia por tarefas orientadas e treino de marcha para trás na locomoção de pacientes após acidente vascular encefálico: série de casos / Effect of a physical therapy program with task-oriented approach and backward gait training in the locomotion after stroke: case series

Introdução: Pacientes após Acidente Vascular Encefálico (AVE) costumam ter alteração da marcha, apresentando velocidade lenta, baixa resistência a longas distâncias, e limitação da locomoção independente nas ruas. A recuperação dessa marcha comunitária é para esses indivíduos, um dos principais objetivos para a manutenção de uma vida ativa. Objetivo: Investigar a eficácia de uma intervenção fisioterapêutica com o método de tarefas orientadas e com o treino de marcha para trás sobre a locomoção de pacientes hemiparéticos após AVE. Métodos: Tratase de um estudo de análise de efeito terapêutico do tipo série de casos, no qual o sujeito é seu próprio controle, e são realizadas avaliações múltiplas para cada sujeito nas fases A1- B - A2. Na fase A1 são feitas duas avaliações antes do tratamento, gerando uma linha de base (baseline) que por ter duas medidas inclui a variação normal do sujeito, na fase B também são feitas duas avaliações, mas, durante e imediatamente após o tratamento, para obter as mudanças relacionadas ao mesmo e na fase A2 são feitas duas avaliações após duas semanas e um mês sem tratamento, para avaliar retenção do tratamento. Este estudo foi realizado com indivíduos com sequelas de AVE deambuladores comunitários (capazes de andar na rua, com ou sem auxílio de órteses). Os constructos utilizados para avaliar o efeito da terapia nos participantes foram: equilíbrio avançado, marcha comunitária com capacidade de modificar marcha as tarefas funcionais, equilíbrio e mobilidade, que foram investigados respectivamente com os instrumentos Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB), Índice de Marcha Dinâmica (DGI) e Timed Up Go (TUG). Dois métodos estatísticos foram utilizados: 1) O método visual da banda formada pela média e por dois desvios padrão calculados com os resultados das avaliações feitas na baseline, formando uma banda cujos pontos que caírem fora da banda tem uma significância p < 0.05; e 2) O cálculo do tamanho do efeito da terapia com o método de Delta de Glass. Resultados: Participaram do estudo quatro voluntários com sequelas após AVE. Após aplicação do protocolo de intervenção com tarefas orientadas e marcha para trás, observou-se melhora do equilíbrio e mobilidade, assim como da locomoção e da capacidade de modificação da marcha às atividades funcionais, isso pode ser observado especialmente no TUG em que todos os participantes diminuiram o tempo, após o tratamento em aproximadamente 3 a 20 segundos, p < 0,05. Os tamanhos do efeito após terapia foram grandes a enormes > 0,80 e 1,30 para todos os participantes em dois dos três desfechos primários. Conclusão: A associação do treino por tarefas orientadas com o treino de marcha para trás dentro do processo de reeducação funcional de pacientes após AVE surte efeitos positivos sobre a locomoção. (AU)

Introduction: Patients after stroke usually have gait dysfunctions, presenting slow speed, low resistance over long walking distances, and limitation of independent walking outdoors. The recovery of community walking is for those individuals, one of the main goal necessary to keep an active life. Objective: To investigate the effectiveness of a physical therapy intervention with the task-oriented method associated with backward gait training on the locomotion of hemiparetic patients after stroke. Methods: This study is a case series, to analyze therapeutic effect, in which the subject is his own control, and multiple evaluations are performed for each subject in phases A1 - B - A2. In phase A1 two pre-treatment assessments are performed, generating a baseline that includes the normal variation of the subject. In phase B two assessments are also made, but during and immediately after treatment to obtain changes related to the treatment effect and, in phase A2, two assessments are made, after two weeks and one month without treatment, phase A2 is to assess retention of treatment. This study was conducted with community-walking strokes survivors (capable of walking on the street, with or without orthoses). The constructs used to assess the effect of therapy on participants were: advanced balance, community gait with ability to change functional tasks, speed and mobility, which were investigated with the Fullerton Advanced Balance (FAB) instruments, Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) and Timed Up Go (TUG). Two statistical methods were used: 1) The visual method of the band formed by the mean and by two standard deviations calculated from the results of the baseline evaluations, forming a band where the points that fall outside the band have a significance of p < 0.05 and 2) The size calculation of the effect of therapy with the Glass Delta method. Results: Four volunteers with stroke sequelae participated in the study. After applying the intervention protocol with task-oriented approach and backward gait training, it was observed an improvement in balance and mobility, as well as locomotion and gait modification ability to functional activities, that was observed especially in the TUG where all participants decreased the time after treatment in approximately 3 to 20 seconds, p <0.05. Post-therapy effect sizes were large to huge > 0.80 and 1.30 for all participants in two of the three primary outcomes. Conclusion: The association of task-oriented training with backward gait training within the functional rehabilitation process of patients after stroke has positive effects on locomotion. (AU)

Clinical observation of dynamic scalp acupuncture combined with task-oriented mirror therapy for upper limbs function impairment in patients with hemiplegia after ischemic stroke / 中国针灸

OBJECTIVE@#To explore the effect of dynamic scalp acupuncture combined with task-oriented mirror therapy (TOMT) for upper limb motor function and activity ability of daily living in patients with hemiplegia after ischemic stroke.@*METHODS@#Seventy-eight patients with hemiplegia after ischemic stroke were randomly divided into a dynamic scalp acupuncture group, a TOMT group, and a scalp acupuncture group, 26 cases in each group (1 case dropped off in the TOMT group and the scalp acupuncture group respectively). All three groups received routine rehabilitation training and medication treatment. The TOMT group was treated with TOMT for 40 min a day, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. The scalp acupuncture group was treated with TOMT after the scalp acupuncture, and the dynamic scalp acupuncture group was treated with TOMT during the scalp acupuncture treatment. The scalp acupuncture treatment was applied at ipsilateral up 1/5 and mid 2/5 of and , and the needles were retained for 40 min. The scalp acupuncture treatment was given once a day, 5 days a week for 8 weeks. Before treatment and after 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment, the functions of upper limb and hand were evaluated by simplified Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) scale upper limb part and functional test for the hemiplegic upper extremity-Hong Kong version (FTHUE-HK) grade, the muscle tension of the upper extremity flexor elbow muscle group was assessed by modified Ashworth scale (MAS) and the activity ability of daily living was assessed by modified Barthel index (MBI).@*RESULTS@#After 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment, the FMA scores, FTHUE-HK grades and MBI scores in the three groups were better than those before treatment (<0.01, <0.05), and MAS scores after 4 weeks of treatment in the three groups were better than those before treatment (<0.05). After 4 weeks and 8 weeks of treatment, the FMA scores, FTHUE-HK grades and MBI scores in the dynamic scalp acupuncture group were better than those in the TOMT group and the scalp acupuncture group (<0.05), and these items in the scalp acupuncture group were better than those in the TOMT group (<0.05).@*CONCLUSION@#The dynamic scalp acupuncture combined with TOMT treatment can effectively improve the upper limb function and the activities ability of daily living in patients with hemiplegia after ischemic stroke, which is better than TOMT after scalp acupuncture and simple TOMT treatment.

Comparison Of Task Oriented Approach And Mirror Therapy For Post Stroke Hand Function Rehabilitation

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.

Intensive simplified home-based task-oriented training in stroke patients with unilateral lower limb motor dysfunction: A preliminary application analysis / 中国脑血管病杂志

Objective: To investigate the preliminary application effect in intensive simplified home-based task-oriented training in stroke patients with unilateral lower limb motor dysfunction. Methods: From May 2016 to October 2018,30 chronic stage stroke patients with unilateral lower limb motor dysfunction for outpatient rehabilitation training at the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine,Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University were enrolled retrospectively. According to the rehabilitation methods, 30 patients were divided into either a general rehabilitation training group (re = 15) or an intensive home-based task-oriented training group (re = 15). Both groups of patients underwent routine rehabilitation guidance at the rehabilitation medicine clinic (3 times a week) and intensive family rehabilitation training (2h/d) for 4 weeks. (1) The general rehabilitation training group used routine home rehabilitation training,including sloping board standing, standing up-sitting down, bending legs-stretching legs, standing forward and backward step training,and walking training under protection. The training frequency was 2 h/d,5 d/week. (2) In the family rehabilitation, the simplified task-oriented training group decomposes the " stepping" action into three exercises: ankle joint eversion, hip knee flexion with ankle dorsiflexion, hip knee extension with ankle dorsiflexion. Fugl-Meyer motor assessment-lower extremity (FMA-LE), Berg Balance Scale (BBS),Timed Up and Go (TUG) test were compared before and after treatment. Results: (1) There were significant differences in FMA-LE scores, groups and time interaction before and after treatment between the two groups (F - 483. 64, P < 0. 01). The FMA-LE scores of the general rehabilitation training group before and after treatment were 20 ± 4 and 21 ±4 respectively, while those of the simplified task-oriented training group before and after treatment were 22 ± 4 and 25 ± 6 respectively. There were no significance before treatment between the two groups (P = 0.25). After treatment, the simplified task-oriented training group was superior to the general rehabilitation training group,and the difference between both groups was statistically significant (P = 0.003). The FMA-LE scores of the two groups were better than those of the groups before treatment. The differences before and after treatment were statistically significant (all P<0.01). (2) The BBS scores before and after treatment were compared,and there was significant difference in the groups and time interaction (F = 2 375. 69, P < 0. 01). The BBS scores of the general rehabilitation training group before and after treatment were 45. 3 ± 1. 0 and 46. 4 ± 1. 3 respectively, while those of the simplified task-oriented training group before and after treatment were 46.8 ± 1.4 and 49.7 ± 1.2 respectively. There was no significant difference in BBS scores between the two groups (P =0.09). The BBS scores of the two groups were better than those of the groups before treatment, and the differences before and after treatment were statistically significant (all P<0.01). (3) There were significant differences in TUG before and after treatment in the groups and time interaction (F = 259. 56, P < 0. 01). TUG of the general rehabilitation training group before and after treatment were 20.0 ±7. 1 and 19.3 ± 7. 5 s respectively, while TUG of the simplified task-oriented training group before and after treatment were 20. 9 ± 1. 6 and 16.9 ± 1.2s respectively. There was no significant difference in TUG between the two groups (P =0.79). There was no significant difference in TUG between the general rehabilitation group before and after treatment (P = 0. 11). The TUG of the simplified task-oriented training group was shorter than that before treatment,and the difference was statistically significant before and after treatment (P<0.01). Conclusions: Intensive simplified home-based task-oriented training and intensive home-based general rehabilitation training are helpful to improve lower limb basic motor function, balance function, and motor control ability in patients with chronic lower limb motor dysfunction. Intensive simplified home-based task-oriented training is slightly superior to intensive home-based general rehabilitation training in improving basic motor function of lower limbs. The two training methods have similar effects in terms of balance function and walking speed.

Effects of Modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy without Constraints on the Unimpaired Side of the Lower Limb in Patients with Chronic Stroke / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

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.

Effects of Modified Constraint-induced Movement Therapy without Constraints on the Unimpaired Side of the Lower Limb in Patients with Chronic Stroke / The Japanese Journal of Rehabilitation Medicine

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.

Transcranial direct current stimulation enhances the effect of task-oriented training in the rehabilitation of upper limb dysfunction after stroke / 中华物理医学与康复杂志

Objective To investigate the effect of transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) before or during task-oriented training on the upper limb dysfunction of stroke survivors.Methods Ninety stroke survivors were randomly divided into groups A,B and C,each of 30.Those in all the three groups received the same task-oriented training,but those in groups A and B received 20 minutes of tDCS of the M1 area of the cerebrum before and during the task-oriented training respectively.Group C was given placebo stimulation during the task-oriented training.The Fugl-Meyer functional upper limb assessment (FMA-UE),a Hong Kong hemiplegia upper limb function test (FTHUE-HK) and the modified Barthel index (MBI) were used to evaluate the outcomes before and after 4 weeks of treatment.Results After 4 weeks of treatment the average FMA-UE,FTHUE-HK and MBI scores of all three groups were significantly better than those before the treatment.Group B's average scores were significantly better than those of groups A and C.Conclusion tDCS significantly enhances the benefits of task-oriented training after stroke.

The Effects of Task-Oriented Exercise Program on Balance Ability in Patients with Acute Stroke

PURPOSE: This study aimed to identify the effects of a task-oriented exercise program on balance in patients with acute stroke. METHODS: Twenty participants with hemiparesis resulting from acute stroke volunteered to participate in this study. They were randomly assigned to either the experimental or control group, with 10 patients per group. Both groups underwent a task-oriented exercise program averaging 30 minutes daily for 4 weeks. Balance was assessed before and after the 4-week training period. Before and after the intervention, we conducted a paired t-test to compare the within-group changes and an independent t-test to compare the betweengroup differences. The statistical significance level was set at p=0.05 for all the variables. RESULTS: Both groups showed significant within-group and between-group changes in balance (p < 0.05) after the intervention. CONCLUSION: This study provides valuable information for future studies in this field. Further research using a larger sample and longer experiment spans can corroborate the results of our study.

Effect of Task-oriented Training on Upper Limb Function in Children with Spastic Hemiplegic / 昆明医科大学学报

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of task-oriented bilateral arm training on upper limb function in children with spastic hemiplegia. Methods 27 children within 4-6 years with spastic hemiplegic were randomly divided into control group (n=13) and experiment group (n=14). The children in control group received routine occupational therapy. The bilateral arm task-oriented training was added for children in experiment group. The Peabody development motor scale-2 (PDMS-2) and Upper Limb Physician's Rating Scale (ULPRS) were used to assess the upper limb function before and after 10 weeks intervention. Results After treatment, the scores of grasping function and visual-motor integration in PDMS-2 were significantly higher than those before treatment (P＜0.05), and the scores of experimental group werehigher than that of control group (P ＜0.05), and the difference of the added value between two groups were statistically significant (P＜0.05).The ULPRS scores of both groups increased after treatment (P＜0.05), scores between the treatment group and the control group were not statistically significant (P＞0.05), and the difference of the added value between two groups was not statistically significant (P＞0.05). Conclusion The task-oriented bilateral arm training can promote recovery for upper limb and hand function in children with spastic hemiplegia compared with routine occupational therapy.

Effects of Low-frequency Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combined with Task-oriented Mirror Therapy on Upper Limbs Function in Patients with Cerebral Infarction / 中国康复理论与实践

@# Objective To investigate the effects of low-frequency repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) combined with task-oriented mirror therapy (MT) on upper limbs function in patients with cerebral infarction. Methods From January, 2017 to January, 2018, 90 patients with cerebral infarction were randomly divided into control group (n = 30), MT group (n = 30), and rTMS+MT group (n = 30). All the patients received routine medicine and rehabilitation training. Moreover, MT group received task-oriented mirror therapy, and rTMS+MT group received 1 Hz rTMS over the M1 area of the unaffected hemisphere followed by task-oriented mirror therapy. Before and after four weeks of treatment, their motor evoked potential cortical latency (CL) and central motor conduction time (CMCT) in affected brain areas were measured, and they were assessed with Fugl-Meyer Assessment-upper extremities (FMA-UE) and modified Barthel Index (MBI). Results CL, CMCT, FMA-UE and MBI improved significantly in all the groups after treatment (t > 2.983, P < 0.05), and it was the best in MT+rTMS group, and then the MT group and the control group (P < 0.05). Conclusion Task-oriented mirror therapy could improve the excitability of cerebral cortex of the affected brain and promote the recovery of upper limbs motor function, which is even more effective combined with 1 Hz rTMS.

Effects of Robot-assisted Task-oriented Training on Hand Function after Stroke / 中国康复理论与实践

Objective To study the effects of the rehabilitation robot-assisted task-oriented training on the hand function in patients after stroke. Methods From June, 2015 to September, 2016, 35 inpatients suffering from stroke were randomly allocated to control group (n=17) and trial group (n=18). Based on the routine rehabilitation, the trial group accepted robot-assisted task-oriented training, while the control group accepted therapist-assisted task-oriented training, for two weeks. They were measured the active range of motion (AROM) of fingers, assessed with fingers motor of Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) and modified Barthel Index (MBI) invovled with hands before and after train-ing. Results The inpatients dropped three in the control group, two in the trial group. AROM of extension and flexion of all the fingers, the AROM of extension and total of three fingers of thumb, index and middle, and the total AROM of each finger improved in the trial group af-ter training (t>2.937, P2.528, P2.535, P2.000, P2.000, P0.05). The scores of feeding, dressing, toilet transfers, bathing, groom-ing of MBI and the total score of them improved in the trial group after training (Z>2.041, P0.05). Conclusion The rehabilitation robot-assisted task-oriented training can improve AROM of hemiplegic fingers and grip function.

The Effect of a Task-oriented Upper Arm Exercise on Stable and Unstable Surfaces on Dynamic Balance and Hand Function in Patient with Cerebral Palsy

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.