EFFECTIVENESS OF TASK-ORIENTED REHABILITATION PROGRAMS AND CLASSIC BALANCE EXERCISES AFTER STROKE

Abstract

The aim of the study was to compare the effectiveness of task-oriented rehabilitation programs and classic balance exercises in patients with postural instability after ischemic stroke. Thirty patients in the outpatient rehabilitation phase participated in the study and were randomly divided into two groups of fifteen. Inclusion criteria included a verified diagnosis of left hemisphere ischemic stroke, a disease duration of six to nine months, and the ability to move independently. Both groups underwent an individual physical therapy program (PNF technique, weight-bearing exercises, and gait training) for twelve sessions every other day. Group I additionally performed a task-oriented training program, while Group II performed classic balance exercises. Assessment was performed before and after the rehabilitation course using the Biodex balance system, the main parameter of which was the stability index. A lower score on this test indicates a better result. The results showed a significant improvement in balance in both groups, but a statistically significant difference was observed in Group I, where the improvement was 53,35%, compared to 29,91% in Group II. A significant difference in post-treatment values was found between the two groups, indicating the superiority of task-oriented training. The analysis revealed no significant difference in pre-treatment values between the two groups, with a P value of (0,128), but there was a significant difference in post-treatment values between the two groups, with a P value of (0,000). Conclusions confirm that a task-oriented training program is more effective than balance exercises in maintaining body stability in stroke patients and is a useful tool for rehabilitation.