Stroke is a leading cause of upper extremity deficits worldwide. Persistent upper extremity dysfunction affects many post stroke patients and is strongly associated with decreased activities of daily living and poor quality of life. There is accumulating evidence of a cross-over effect with training of one limb that slightly increase strength and coordination in contralateral untrained limb through neurological adaptations. One of rehabilitation that is beneficial for stroke patient is motor imagery, a mental rehearsal of a movement that does not include physical movement has been shown to enhance upper limb function. Evidence demonstrate that MI not only activates motor cortical and subcortical regions but also induces plastic change in motor networks and modulates synaptic activity at spinal level.
OBJECTIVE: The objectives of this study are: 1. To improve upper limb functional strength. 2. To improve the upper limb coordination. 3. To improve upper limb functional improvement. HYPOTHESIS Alternate Hypothesis: There will be statistically significant difference in effects of motor imagery technique combined with conventional physical therapy and in comparison to conventional physical therapy alone on upper limb functional strength, coordination and functional improvement in chronic stroke. (p\<0.05). Null Hypothesis: There will be no statistically significant difference in effects of motor imagery technique combined with conventional physical therapy and in comparison to conventional physical therapy alone on upper limb functional strength, coordination and functional improvement in chronic stroke. (p\>0.05). Research Design: Experimental study. Randomized Control Trial
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
NA
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
26
Active Range of Motion Exercises: (5-10 reps with 2 sets) Finger bends, finger spreads, finger to thumb opposition, thumb to palm stretches, palm up and down, wrist rotation, wrist bends, elbow bends, shoulder shrugging and shoulder rotation. Strengthening Exercises: (10-15 reps 2 sets weight 500 ml to 1L water bottle). Finger pinch, power grip, finger spread, pushing movement, wrist curls, roll and squeeze, bicep curls, side arm raise, lifting objects to a height, pulling resistance band. Coordination Exercises: (10-15 reps 2 sets) finger to finger, finger to doctor's finger, finger to nose, holding and lifting coins, buttoning, holding and lifting coins, alternate hand movement, closing and opening hand.
1. Subjects will be asked to sit comfortably on a chair with a backrest. A Quiet environment is ensured for proper concentration of subject .Take deep breaths for 2-3 min to relax. 2. Subjects will be asked to close their eyes and imagine the training scene for each task for 5 min while listening to the therapist 's voice describing the motion. 3. The non-paralysis part of the body's movement was imagined first and then the movement of the paralysis part was imagined. 4. Upon completion of the mental practice for the first activity, the subject will be given a comfortable break. Motor Imagery Training: Week 1-2: Approaching and holding a cup, turning book pages and grasping pencil to write. Week 3-4: wiping desk, turning door handle and drinking water from cup. Week 5-6: pressing light switch on and off, turning faucet and putting card in wallet. Week 7-8: folding towel, brushing teeth and brushing hair. Imagine for 30 sec 2-3 repetitions.
Foundation University College of Physical Thrapy
Islamabad, Pakistan
RECRUITINGFUNCTIONAL STRENGTH
FUNCTONAL STRENGTH WILL BE ASSESSED USING WOLF MOTOR FUNCTION TEST
Time frame: 8 weeks
Coordination
The Action Research Arm Test (ARAT) will be used to assess upper extremity performance
Time frame: 8 weeks
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