Comparative Study of Action Observation Training Versus Task Oriented Training on Reaching in Patients With Stroke

Comparative Study of Action Observation Training Versus Task Oriented Training on Reaching in Patients With Stroke

Stroke is characterized by a sudden onset of localized or generalized brain dysfunction, with symptoms persisting for at least 24 hours or resulting in death. In the chronic phase following a stroke, hand dysfunction is commonly observed, often characterized by reduced finger strength and abnormal hand flexion patterns. Reaching is a crucial aspect of daily tasks, including activities like drinking, interacting with a touch screen, or pressing elevator buttons.

Thirty Nine male chronic stroke patients, aged from 50 to 65 years were included in the study. They were randomly assigned into three equal groups: Group "A" was the control group, Group "B" was the study group I and Group "C" was the study group II). Patients in the control group received a selected physical therapy program for upper limb for 60 minutes, patients in group B received Task Oriented Training for upper limb for 30 minutes and the same selected physical Therapy program for upper limb for 30 minutes, while patients in group C received Action Observation Training for upper limb for 30 minutes and the same selected Physical Therapy Program for upper limb for 30 minutes. The intervention was administered three times weekly over a period of four consecutive weeks. Reaching measurements were done using Reaching Performance Scale for stroke (RPSS) and WolF Motor Function Test (WMFT) pre- and post-treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Patients with Chronic stroke diagnosed and referred by a neurologist.
• Patient's ages ranged from 50-65 years old, Duration of stroke was between six to 12 months, Spasticity grade of the upper limb was from 1 to 1+ according to the modified Ashworth scale (MAS).
• Patients with sufficient cognitive abilities that enabled them to understand and follow instructions (Mini-Mental Scale>24), Fugl-Meyer Assessment scale for upper limb scored between 38 and 63.
• Patients with normal vision and hearing, Medically stable patients.

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients with Upper limb dysfunction due to neurological disorders other than Stroke (e.g, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinsonism...etc).
• Patients with Severe sensory deficits in the paretic upper limb, Psychological or severe cognitive disorders, Severe cardiovascular disease that can preclude intervention.