Effectiveness of Activity-Based Task-Oriented Training on Upper Extremity Recovery for Adults With Stroke: A...

Area of Science:

• Neurorehabilitation
• Occupational Therapy
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Upper extremity (UE) disability is a common and significant impairment following stroke, impacting daily activities and quality of life.
• Effective rehabilitation strategies for UE recovery are crucial for improving functional independence in stroke survivors.
• Activity-based task-oriented training (TOT) is a promising approach that utilizes real-world activities to enhance motor recovery.

Approach:

• A systematic review was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of activity-based TOT for UE recovery in adults post-stroke.
• Searches were performed in CINAHL Plus, MEDLINE, and PubMed for quantitative studies published between June 2012 and December 2022.
• Studies were assessed for inclusion, quality, and risk of bias using Cochrane methodology and PRISMA guidelines.

Key Points:

• Sixteen studies involving 692 participants provided evidence for the effectiveness of activity-based TOT.
• Strong to moderate evidence supports TOT's positive impact on UE motor function, motor performance, and activities of daily living (ADL) performance.
• Strong evidence supports hospital-based TOT, while moderate evidence supports home-based TOT.

Conclusions:

• Activity-based TOT is a valuable and effective intervention for improving UE recovery in stroke rehabilitation.
• The findings align with occupational therapy principles emphasizing functional and meaningful activities in practice.
• Further research is recommended to explore the efficacy and implementation of home-based TOT interventions.