EFFECTS OF ACTION OBSERVATION TREATMENT ON UPPER LIMB MOTOR FUNCTION IN CHRONIC STROKE PATIENTS

Abstract

The rate of cerebrovascular accident is keep on increasing in Pakistan which cause major disability in affected person. In developed countries it has been reported that an action observation treatment for rehabilitation, promotes motor function of upper limb in stroke population.Objective: To find out effects of action observation treatment on upper limb motor functions of chronic stroke patients.Study Design: A randomized control trial with registered number NCT05084820.Place and Duration of study:Fourteen chronic stroke patients were taken from Umer hospital and Riphah rehab center Lahore. Total duration of study was 6 months.Materials and method:A randomized control trial was done containing total 14 chronic stroke patients. Patients in experimental group were given action observationtreatment three days per week for one month along with conventional physiotherapy treatment. Patients in conventional group, received strengthening exercises, reach and grasp of hand, stretch of hand muscles. Modified Barthel Index was used to measure function of upper limb and Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE) for assessment of motor function. Statistical analysis was done by using SPSS 21.Results: There were significant difference in MBI and FMA-UE score, P value was <0.05, but sensation and joint pain from FMA-UE tool P value was >0.05 which was non-significant.Conclusion:Action observation treatment together with conventional treatment was an effective treatment approach on improving motor function of upper limb in chronic stroke patients.