Comparison of Task Specific Training Vs Neuro Developmental Training Approach Along with Conventional Therapy for Upper Limb Motor Function Among Chronic Stroke Patients
Abstract
Summya Manzoor, Behram Subazwari, Zainab Bibi, Syeda Zaira Haider Kazmi, Hafsa Imtiaz, Mahmoud M. Dboba
Objective: The purpose of this study is to compare Task Specific Training versus Neurodevelopmental Training approach along with conventional therapy for upper limb motor function among chronic stroke patients.
Study Design: Randomized Controlled Trial (RCT). Place and Duration of study: This study took place in Lahore, Pakistan and the duration of the study was 6 months.
Method: This study is a Randomized Controlled Trial utilized a non-probability purposive sampling technique, the primary outcome measure was Modified Ashworth Scale (FMA) and Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale (FMA) which were used to check the Spasticity and Motor Function. The findings were then statistically analysed by non parametric tests Mann Whitney U Test and Friedman Test were used for between group and within the group comparisons respectively.
Results: A total of 74 patients participated in the study among which after randomized allocation of 37(50%) in TST and 37(50%) in NDT group. TST group showed better results than the NDT group and the p value is 0.000 which is less than 0.05 when compared between the groups for spasticity at 12 weeks. TST group showed better results than the NDT group and the p value is 0.00 which is less than 0.05 when compared between the groups for functional ability at 12 weeks. Therefore, TST is better than NDT for the improvement of both spasticity and functional ability.
Conclusion: Both of the treatment approaches have proven to be effective in treatment of spasticity and motor functional ability among chronic stroke patients but Task Specific Treatment has proven to be significantly more effective than Neurodevelopmental Training and has more significant results.
Discussion: The current study which is Comparison of Task Specific Training versus Neurodevelopmental Training along with conventional therapy for upper limb motor function among chronic stroke patients shows that the Task Specific Training shows better results then Neurodevelopmental training in the motor recovery or functional ability of the upper limb similarly the study which was conducted in India in 2012 by Kamal Narayan et al. shows that the task specific training had significant more improvements in motor recovery of the upper limb of stroke patients. This study was conducted on 103 patients and the participants were assigned to the Task specific Training or to the Bo bath training for 4-5 days for 4 weeks. The Fugl- Meyer assessment, the Graded Wolf Motor Function Test were outcome measures [1].