Effectiveness of Task Oriented Physiotherapy Along with Conventional Physiotherapy for Patients with Stroke

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a disorder where brain is damaged either by blockage in the blood vessels or rupture of the blood vessels. It is the approximately number five leading cause of death. It is also the leading cause of longer period disability as well as preventable cause of disability. Objectives: To determine and compare balance, functional status and mobility before and after application of task oriented physiotherapy along with conventional physiotherapy among patients with Stroke. Methodology: Classic experimental study design was used in this study. 30 patients with stroke were randomly assigned into two groups among them 15 patients were assigned into experimental group received task oriented physiotherapy with conventional physiotherapy and another 15 into control group received only conventional physiotherapy. Total treatment sessions were twenty-four comprising of 3 sessions per week for 8 weeks. Single blinding procedure was used during data collection. Outcome measurement tools: Berg balance scale (BBS) was used to measure balance, functional independence measurement (FIM) was used to measure functional status and timed up and go test (TUG) to measure mobility. Analysis of data: Inferential statistics such as for between group analysis of BBS and FIM used Mann-Whitney U test, and within group analysis of BBS and FIM used Wilcoxon test. Besides Independent t test used for between group analysis and Paired t test was done for within group analysis of TUG by using SPSS version 22. Results: It was found that balance, functional status and mobility improved both between and within group results except standing unsupported one foot in front. Conclusion: This research showed that task oriented physiotherapy along with conventional physiotherapy was more effective than only conventional physiotherapy for patients with stroke.