Cognitive Effectiveness of Somatotherapy and Occupational Therapy in Post-Stroke Patients.

The Cognitive Effectiveness of Somatotherapy & Occupational Therapy in Post-Stroke Patients

The objective of this study was to evaluate the cognitive effectiveness of somatotherapy and occupational therapy in post-stroke patients by measuring their cognitive potential outcomes using the Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) test.

Stroke is a leading cause of death and long-term disability worldwide. Cognitive impairment is a common and disabling consequence of stroke that significantly affects patients' functional independence and quality of life.

Somatotherapy (targeted physical and sensorimotor therapy) and occupational therapy (focused on activities of daily living) are frequently used rehabilitation approaches, but their combined effect on cognitive recovery in post-stroke patients requires further evaluation.

This was a single-center, retrospective observational study conducted at the department of physical therapy, King Hospital, Swat, Pakistan. Medical records of 50 post-stroke patients (30 males, 20 females; age range 30-60 years) who received inpatient rehabilitation between 2018 and 2019 were analyzed.

Participants

Inclusion Criteria

• Adults aged 30 years and above
• Diagnosed with ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke (first-ever or recurrent)
• Referred to physical therapy department for cognitive rehabilitation
• Received somatotherapy and occupational therapy during hospitalization
• Able to undergo MoCA (Montreal Cognitive Assessment) testing

Exclusion Criteria:

• Severe speech impairment (aphasia) that prevents reliable cognitive testing
• Significant visual impairment that interferes with MoCA testing
• Significant hearing impairment that interferes with MoCA testing
• Inability to participate in therapy sessions.