Article

The aim of this study was to verify the effects of loaded exercises
associated with a task-oriented training (TOT) program in the recovery of
upper-limb function in individuals with chronic hemiparesis after stroke.
This study used a single-blinded, randomized controlled trial. Patients were
included into two TOT groups: one that performed the task-oriented therapy
without load (TOT group, n = 10) and another one that performed task-oriented
therapy with personalized resistance (TOT_ST group, n = 10) for 6 wks, for a
total of 12 sessions. Main measures included The Upper Extremity Performance
Test, shoulder flexor and handgrip strength, shoulder active range of motion,
motor impairment (Fugl-Meyer Scale), and muscle tone. RESULTS: The TOT_ST group
demonstrated better scores relating to unilateral tasks and in the quality
aspects of bilateral movements (The Upper Extremity Performance Test, P = 0.04)
at the end of rehabilitation protocol. The highest muscle force gain was reached
by the TOT_ST group for the shoulder flexors (P = 0.001). Similarly, the active
range of motion (P = 0.01) and Fugl-Meyer scores (P = 0.001) were higher in the
TOT_ST group compared with the TOT group. Both groups showed improvement after
training. CONCLUSIONS: Strength training was able to intensify the upper-limb
rehabilitation, as demonstrated by the superior scores achieved by the TOT_ST
group in most of the evaluated parameters. Muscle strength training might be a
pivotal element of the task-oriented rehabilitation program of chronic patients
with mild impairment after stroke.

Langue : ANGLAIS