Effect of Task Related Exercise on Arm and Hand Function among Patients with Stroke John Deepthi1, Kanmani J2,* 1M. Sc. Nursing Student, Amrita College of Nursing, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Health Sciences Campus, AIMS-Ponekkara P.O, Kochi 2Professor, Department of Medical Surgical Nursing, Amrita College of Nursing, Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Health Sciences Campus, AIMS-Ponekkara P.O, Kochi *Corresponding author: Kanmani J, Professor, Amrita College of Nursing Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Health Sciences Campus, AIMS-Ponekkara P.O, Kochi-682041, Kerala Email id: kanmanijob@aims.amrita.edu, Contact no. 09446986374
Online published on 6 April, 2019. Abstract Background Stroke is a chronic neurologic disorder that often results in severe functional impairments. The functional capacity of the upper extremity is largely affected causing residual impairments in the post stroke patients. Task specific training improves functional outcomes after stroke. Purpose The main purpose of the study to compare the arm and hand function before and after task related exercises among experimental and control group of patients with stroke. Method A quasi experimental study was conducted on the effect of task related exercises on arm and hand function among patients with stroke in selected wards, AIMS hospital, Kochi. The study was done on 60 subjects, 30 each to experimental and control group scheduling task related exercise for a 2 weeks period for 20 minutes two times a day. Purposive sampling was done and matching of the two groups was done based on pretest scores. A standardized Chedoke Arm and Hand Activity Inventory (CAHAI-7) tool was used for the assessment. Results The study results showed that the mean pretest score of arm and hand function in both experimental and control group was 24.07, while mean post test score of control group was 26.33 and of experimental group was 30.93. A significant improvement in the post test scores after providing task related exercises was noted (t=8.34, p=<0.001) A significant association between time of arrival of hospital after the onset of symptoms and arm and hand function was noted (F =8.68, p<0.05). Conclusion The study concluded that the task related exercises are effective in improving arm and hand function in post stroke patients. Top Keywords Task related exercise, arm and hand function, post stroke patients. Top |