Abstract:
Background: Stroke is a disorder where brain is damaged either by blockage in the
blood vessels or rupture of the blood vessels. Stroke often leads to significant arm
weakness and impaired motor function, affecting daily activities and quality of life.
Task-oriented strength training, which focuses on repetitive, goal-directed movements,
has shown promise in improving arm function after stroke. Objective: The main
objective of the study is to determine if higher intensity training leads to greater
improvements in muscle strength, motor control, and overall functional use of the
affected arm compared to standard or lower-intensity training protocols. insights for
optimizing rehabilitation strategies and improving patient outcomes. Methodology: A
randomized controlled trial design was used in this study to investigate the effectiveness
of increasing intensity of task-oriented strength training exercises for enhancing upper
limb function in individuals who have experienced a stroke. The tools used to measure
improvements in upper limb function included the Action Research Arm Test (ARAT),
the Barthel Index Scale, and a goniometer. Results: The study evaluated the
effectiveness of an intervention on upper limb muscle strength, motor function (ARAT),
and functional independence (Barthel Index) using independent and paired t-tests. The
mean age among 30 participants was 51.31. Males comprised 60% in the control and
53.33% in the experimental group. Ischemic stroke was more prevalent (86.67%
control, 80% experimental). In the experimental group, significant improvements were
found in multiple muscle movements with p-values < 0.05, such as shoulder adduction
(p = 0.0001), elbow flexion (p = 0.0000), and finger flexion (p = 0.0000). ARAT
subtests also showed highly significant improvements (Grasp: p = 0.0000, Grip: p =
0.0000). The Barthel Index improved significantly in the experimental group (p =
0.034) but not in the control group (p = 0.065). These results confirm the intervention’s
positive impact for the post stroke patients. Conclusion: Increasing the intensity of
task-oriented strength training exercises results in significantly greater improvements
in arm function among stroke survivors. These findings support the integration of
higher-intensity protocols into upper limb rehabilitation programs post-stroke to
enhance functional recovery. Keywords: Stroke, task-oriented training, upper limb
function, strength training, exercise intensity.
Description:
This dissertation is submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree of Bachelor of Science in Physiotherapy, Bangladesh Health Professions Institute, Faculty of Medicine, the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh.
