THE EFFECTIVENESS OF MOTOR RE-LEARNING IN THE POST-STROKE UPPER LIMB FUNCTIONAL RESTORATION

Abstract

Background: Stroke is the leading cause of disability worldwide currently. Upper limbs ADLs –based functions is grossly affected leading to functional dependence of the stroke patients. Upper limbs functional rehabilitation is an essential component of the stroke physical rehabilitation. The aim of this study is to find out the effectiveness of upper limbs –specific motor –re-learning approach in the upper limbs’ functional restoration. Method: 40 stroke outpatients (n=40) are selected through purposive sampling & randomly assigned into two groups (CG & TG) for this study irrespective of their gender, ethnicity, age, stroke type, chronicity & level of dependence. The control group (CG) for 40 minutes -30 sessions (5days/week for 8 weeks) received conventional physical therapy interventions while the TG received conventional physical therapy along with upper limb motor re-learning for 40 minutes -30 sessions (5days/week for 8 weeks). Results: The results of the study showed by comparing pre-intervention & post-intervention score, that motor-re-learning has significantly improved upper limb functions as compared to the conventional physiotherapeutic interventions. Conclusion; The result of this study can be concluded that comparatively motor-re-learning is clinically more effective in the functional restoration of upper limbs in stroke patients.