Effect of Task Oriented Training with Conventional Therapy and Conventional Therapy Alone in Hemiparesis: A Comparative Study

Abstract

Background: Independency for basic self handling is the primary want of every human. Impaired upper extremity
functional movements due to stroke followed by hemiparesis leads to poor participation in daily living activities.
Objective: To determine and compare the effectiveness of Task Oriented Training (TOT) with Conventional
Exercise Program (CEP) and Conventional Exercise Program alone in hemiparetic post stroke patients for
improving functional performance.
Method: 24 subjects with post stroke hemiparesis were assigned into two groups (12 in each group). The outcome
measure was Fugl- Meyer assessment scale (FMA) and Wolf motor function assessment scale (WMFA). Group
A subjects were treated with conventional therapy only while group B subjects were treated with Task Oriented
training. The intervention was provided to both the groups for 5 times a week for a total duration of 8 weeks.
Results: The results demonstrated significant improvement in functional ability for subjects of group B in
comparison to group A (p<0.05) whereas sensorimotor function doesn’t significantly improved with Combination
treatment (CEP+ TOT).
Conclusion: The results shows that CEP along with TOT are effective in decreasing dependency in self care
activities by increasing functional ability of patients. Therefore, Task oriented training with conventional exercise
program can be practiced in physiotherapy for management of hemiparesis.