Title: The Effect of Tasks Related Training and Motor Imagery Training on Hand Function in Post Stroke Patients

Authors: Dr A.Kiran Kumar M.P.T (Neuro), Dr V.Kiran M.P.T (Cardio Respirtory), Dr K Suneel Kumarm.P.T (Neuro), Dr G Hari Babu M.P.T (Ortho),  Dr A Hemchand M.P.T (Neuro), Dr T Bindu Keerthi M.P.T (Neuro)

 DOI:  https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v5i6.68

Abstract

INTRODUCTION: Stroke is major cause of disability in adults. One direct consequence of stroke is the loss of upper limb (UL) function. Whereas up to 83% of stroke survivors learn to walk again, it is estimated that only 5 to 20% of stroke survivors attain complete functional recovery of their affected UL. Approximately 70% to 80% of people sustain a stroke have upper extremity impairment.

Task- specific exercise (TSE) is defined as ‘’a training or therapy where patient has to practice context- specific motor tasks and receive some form of  feedback; with regard to skill learning, it may be associated with different practice conditions, feedback and conditions of transfer. there is evidence for functional redistribution following motor imagery training in healthy volunteers, demonstrating that motor imagery training is also help full in promoting the modulation of neural circuits leading to the same plastic changes in the motor system as those following repeated physical practice. is motor imagery (MI).MI was initially developed to improve the performance of athletes and has been adopted in rehabilitation programs for persons with stroke to support motor recovery .mental imagery refers to the active process by which humans experience sensations with or without external stimuli. it is an active process during which a specific action is reported within working  memory without any real movement.

METHODOLOGY:  The subjects are divided into two groups

EXPERIMENTAL OR GROUP A: Received task related training with conventional physiotherapy sessions

CONTROLLED OR GROUP B: Received motor imagery training with conventional physiotherapy sessions

The two groups received the treatment for 45 minutes in 5 days in a week in the period o f two months. Outcome measures were taken from the patient. 

RESULTS: Experimental group has decreased time for completing the task. it indicates the improvement in the performing the task. As lower the score indicates the greater the function, so the experimental group shows the better improvement when compared to the controlled group. 

CONCLUSION: It is evidence from the result that task related training shown significant level of improvement in function of upper limb, when compared with motor imagery training. In stroke patients quantified to fugl meyer scale and jebsen hand function test, showed greater improvement when their outcome (difference of pre and post ) was compared with the other group.

References

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Corresponding Author

Dr A.Kiran Kumar M.P.T (Neuro)

Professor, Department of Physiotherapy,

Narayana Medical College and Hospitals, Nellore