Functional outcome of joint mobilization added to task-oriented training on hand function in chronic stroke patients

Abstract

Background: Approximately half of stroke patients show impaired upper limb and hand function. Task-oriented training focuses on functional tasks, while joint mobilization technique aims to restore the accessory movements of the joints. Objective: To investigate the effect of adding joint mobilization to task-oriented training to help the patients in reaching a satisfactory level of recovery for their hand function. Patients and methods: Thirty chronic stroke patients with paretic hand participated in the study; they were divided equally into study and control groups. The study group received joint mobilization followed by taskoriented training for the affected hand. Meanwhile, the control group received task-oriented training only. Both groups received their treatment in the form of 3 sessions per week for 6 successive weeks. The primary outcome measures were hand function that was assessed by Jebsen-Taylor hand function test (JTT) and active and passive wrist extension range of motion (ROM) that was measured by a standard goniometer. The secondary outcome measure was the grip strength of the hand that was assessed by a JAMAR adjustable hand dynamometer. Results: There was a significant improvement in all the outcome measurements in both groups that were more evident in the study group. Conclusion: Combining joint mobilization with task-oriented training had a highly significant effect in improving the hand function in chronic stroke patients compared to task-oriented training alone.

Feasibility of a specific task-oriented training versus its combination with manual therapy on balance and mobility in people post stroke at the chronic stage: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial

“…To our knowledge, only one study has investigated the effects of a specific TOT as compared to a combined wrist joint MT and upper-limb TOT approach [ 20 ]. Hand function and joint mobility significantly improved after the combined training than compared to TOT alone.…”

Effects of a specific task-oriented training versus its combination with manual therapy on balance and mobility in people post stroke at the chronic stage: study protocol for a pilot randomised controlled trial

“…To our knowledge, only one study has investigated the effects of a speci c TOT as compared to a combined wrist joint MT and upper-limb TOT approach (20). Hand function and joint mobility signi cantly improved after the combined training than compared to TOT alone.…”