Hemiparesis is a condition characterized by weakness or the inability to move on one side of the body, making it difficult to perform everyday activities like eating or dressing (Iswatun et al., 2022). It is a common after-effect of stroke that causes weakness on one side of the body, limiting movement and affecting all basic activities such as dressing, eating, and walking. Hemiparesis can also be a sign of a stroke, and the side of the body weakened by hemiparesis could be ipsilateral (the same side as the brain injury) or contralateral (the opposite side of the brain injury) (Obman, 2020). The symptoms of hemiparesis include: Weakness, Difficulty walking, Loss of balance, Muscle fatigue, Difficulty with coordination, Inability to grasp objects. Additionally, a person with hemiparesis may experience trouble maintaining balance, standing, or walking, as well as a tingling or numbing sensation on the weak side (Brandstaedter \& Lindenbaum, 2023). Difficulty grabbing things, moving with precision, and lack of coordination can also be present. Hemiparesis is a one-sided muscle weakness that can affect all or most of the anatomical segments on one side of the body (Dantes et al., 2020). Constraint-Induced Movement Therapy (MCIMT) with combination of Motor Relearning Program (MRP) has significant effects on stroke rehabilitation. CIMT is considered to achieve its beneficial effects through mechanisms such as overcoming learned nonuse and use-dependent neural plasticity. However, in case of Bobath there in no such evidence. Therefore more studies are needed to evaluate the effects of CIMT with MRP and Bobath only in both acute and chronic post-stroke populations. Therefore, the aim of this research is to focus on rehabilitation of hemiparetic arm. This present study compared the effects of CIMT with MRP versus Bobath to Augment Functional Motor Recovery of Chronic Hemiparetic Arm.
To determine the comparative effects of constraint-induced movement therapy (CIMT) with motor relearning program (MRP) and Bobath therapy to augment functional motor recovery of chronic hemiparetic arm. Study Design: Randomized Control Trial Study Setting: The data was collected from the University of Lahore Teaching Hospital and Sehat Medical Complex , Lahore. Study Duration: 9 months after the approval of synopsis. Sampling technique: It was purposive sampling technique. Sample size: The sample size was 56 (28 in each group ) in each group calculated through software Group A (CIMT +MRP) Group B (Bobath) Screening: Patients were screened to meet inclusion criteria. The consent form was taken from patients then patients will be randomly allocated into two groups ( 28 in each group). Randomization: Patients fulfilling the inclusion criteria were randomly divided into experimental and control groups using the computer software. Blinding: The study was single-blinded. The assessor was unaware of the treatment given to both groups. Assessment: Data was collected at baseline, third and then at the end of the six week. Baseline assessments was conducted before the intervention. Post-intervention assessments were conducted immediately after the intervention. Statistical analysis included descriptive statistics, normality test and analysis of variance to compare the outcomes between the two groups. Treatment Plan: Both CIMT with MRP and Bobath both groups received 6 weeks of therapy, 5 days per week, for 3 hours/day per session. Each session was divided into phases: warm-up, active intervention, cool-down.Therapists monitored participant progress and adjust difficulty levels as needed. Home exercise programs was provided for daily practice. Ethical Considerations: This study has received ethical approval from the Institutional Review Board (IRB). Informed consent was obtained from all participants. Data Analysis: Statistical software was used to analyze the data, with appropriate tests employed based on data normality to compare outcomes between groups.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
SINGLE
Enrollment
64
Intensive training sessions of 3 hours/day for 6 weeks, focusing on functional tasks with the paretic arm while constraining the unaffected arm using a mitt or sling. Implement a constraint on the non-paretic arm to encourage increased use of the affected arm in daily activities. Use shaping techniques to gradually increase the complexity and difficulty of tasks performed with the affected arm (Rahman, 2016). MRP: Standard physiotherapy sessions of 1 hour/day for 6 weeks, including exercises for both affected and unaffected arm. Focus on improving strength, range of motion, and coordination through repetitive task practice, neuromuscular re-education and compensatory strategies (Brkić, 2016; Ghrouz et al., 2023).
The first step in the Bobath approach is a thorough assessment of the individual's movement patterns, muscle tone, strength, coordination, and functional abilities. This assessment helps in identifying specific impairments and setting goals for treatment. Bobath therapists use specific handling techniques to facilitate normal movement patterns and inhibit abnormal muscle tone. These hands-on techniques aim to promote efficient movement and improve motor control. The Bobath approach emphasizes task-oriented training, where functional activities relevant to the individual's daily life are incorporated into therapy sessions. This helps in improving motor skills in a context that is meaningful to the individual (Grozdek Čovčić et al., 2022; Kuciel et al., 2021).
The University of Lahore Teaching Hospital
Lahore, Punjab Province, Pakistan
Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA)
The Fugl-Meyer Assessment (FMA) is a widely used clinical tool designed to evaluate motor impairment, balance, sensation, and joint functioning in individuals with post-stroke hemiplegia. It consists of various items that assess motor function in the upper and lower extremities, providing a comprehensive measure of motor recovery post-stroke.
Time frame: Baseline, mid-intervention (3 weeks), and post-intervention (6 weeks).
Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS)
The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) is a 6-point scale used to assess spasticity in patients with lesions to the central nervous system. Scores on the MAS range from 0 to 4, where lower scores represent normal muscle tone and higher scores indicate increased spasticity. The MAS assigns a grade of spasticity based on resistance encountered during passive movement, with a grade of 0 indicating no increase in muscle tone and a grade of 4 representing limb rigidity in flexion or extension.
Time frame: Baseline, mid-intervention (3 weeks), and post-intervention (6 weeks).
Pain
The Numeric Pain Rating Scale is a widely utilized tool for assessing pain intensity in adults. It operates on an 11-point scale ranging from 0 to 10, where 0 indicates no pain and 10 represents the worst pain imaginable. Higher scores on this scale signify greater pain intensity, making it a straightforward method for patients to communicate their pain levels to healthcare providers.
Time frame: Baseline, mid-intervention (3 weeks), and post-intervention (6 weeks).
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