Author(s): Rajan Balakrishnan, Nelson Arputharaj and Gan Kar Mun

Abstract:
Effectiveness of Task-Oriented Training and Lower-Limbs Strengthening Exercises on Balance in Subacute Stroke Patients. Objectives: The objective of this study was to compare the effectiveness of task-oriented training (TOT) and lower-limbs strengthening exercises (LLSE) on improving balance among subacute stroke patients. Methods: A total of 30 participants diagnosed with subacute stroke were recruited, and randomly allocated into the experimental group (TOT, n = 15), and the control group (LLSE, n = 15). Both groups underwent six-weeks of intervention, two sessions per week, with each session lasting 45 minutes. To assess balance performance, the Berg Balance Scale (BBS) was used at before and after intervention. Paired t-test was used to analyze within group changes, and independent t-test was used to compare post-intervention differences between groups. Results: Both groups demonstrated significant improvements on balance following intervention (p < 0.05). However, TOT group showed greater mean improvement (Mean Difference = 8.4 ± 2.3, p < 0.001) compared to LLSE group (Mean Difference = 4.1 ± 1.9, p = 0.003). Independent t-test results confirmed that TOT was significantly more effective than LLSE on improving balance. Conclusion: TOT produced superior improvements on balance compared to LLSE in subacute stroke patients. These findings suggest that TOT should be considered as an effective Physiotherapy intervention to enhance functional recovery, and reduce fall risk in the rehabilitation programs.

DOI: 10.22271/kheljournal.2025.v12.i6e.4111

Pages: 332-335  |  88 Views  59 Downloads

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