Study the effectiveness of bilateral arm training on upper extremity motor function and activity level in patients with sub-acute stroke

Abstract

Aims and Objectives: To study the effectiveness of Bilateral Arm Training on upper extremity motor function and activity level in patients with sub-acute stroke. Sample Size: 40 patients (20 in each group), Study Design: Experimental Study, Study setting: Hospitals and Rehabilitation centres in and around the metropolitan city Sample and Sampling method: 40 patients were randomly selected and assigned in 2 groups, as Group 1(conventional group), Group 2 (experimental group) in equal numbers Exclusion Criteria. The total subjects of 40 were included in the study the inclusion and exclusion criteria were Inclusion Criteria: 45 years to 65 years, Both ischemic and hemorrhagic stroke (middle cerebral artery involvement),1 month from onset to 6 months (sub-acute stage), the score of 21 or higher on mini-mental state examination, Voluntary control grading (Brunnstrom) for upper extremity-Stage 4 Or 5, Patients with a fair grade of sitting balance. Exclusion Criteria: Upper extremity musculoskeletal disorders e.g. subluxation of shoulder, shoulder pain, any contractures or deformity of any of the upper extremity, Neurological disorders other than stroke, visual impairments, Patients with Unilateral neglect, Patients with perceptual disorders, psychological problems. Result: There was a significant difference (p<0.05) between mean difference of group A 82.3±7.61 and 89.9 +8.23 and mean difference of group B 83.4±6.83 and 87.95±6.61 pre and post-treatment scores of Functional Independence Measure (FIM) used to assessed Activity level in subacute stroke similarly Motor Function assessed using Fugl-Meyer assessment UE in patients with subacute stroke in group A pre and post score was 39.3 ± 3.59 and 46.15 ±3.61 and for group B it was 38.5 ±2.94 and 42.8 ±2.91 respectively. Conclusion: Bilateral Arm Training proved to be more effective than Conventional Training program to improve affected upper extremity motor function assessed using Fugl-Meyer assessment UE and activity level assessed using Functional Independence Measure and Motor Activity Log in patients with subacute stroke.