SHWI Cover Page

Sports, Health & Wellness Insights

eISSN : 3107-7617 | Frequency: Half-yearly

Editor in Chief : Dr. Suraj Kumar

About : Sports, Health & Wellness Insights is a bi-annual, peer-reviewed, national e-journal. The journal aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how sports, physical health, and mental wellness intersect and influence individual and community well-being. The scope of SHWI encompasses the follo Read more

Article Metrics
Views : 193 | Downloads: 380
Crossref Citations: Loading...

View in Google Scholar
Dimensions
Altmetric Attention
PlumX:

Effectiveness of Task-Oriented Training in Improving Motor Function in Post-Stroke Hemiplegia: A Systematic Review

  • Danishta Danishta MPT India Danishta ORCID Id ,  
  • Suraj Kumar* Suraj Kumar Corresponding author Professor Center for Physiotherapy and Rehabilitation Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, Central University, New Delhi, India, India ,  
  • Mayank Kumar Mayank Kumar Assistant Professor Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Paramedical Sciences, Uttar Pradesh University of Medical Sciences, Saifai, Etawah, U.P, India. India
Received: March 12, 2025
Accepted: April 16, 2025
Published: June 11, 2025
Volume: 1 (1) | Page: 1-10

Abstract

Task-oriented training (TOT) is widely used in stroke rehabilitation to improve motor function and independence in daily living. This review aims to evaluate TOT’s effectiveness in adults with post-stroke hemiplegia across different recovery stages. A systematic review of 50 studies published between 2000 and 2025 was conducted, focusing on randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs comparing TOT to conventional therapies. Outcomes included motor function, mobility, and activities of daily living. The results show that TOT significantly improved motor control, strength, coordination, and functional performance of both upper and lower limbs. Early intervention in the acute and subacute phases yielded the most substantial improvements, with benefits persisting, though more slowly, in the chronic phase. Effective protocols involved 3–5 sessions per week lasting 45–60 minutes over 3 to 12 weeks. Technology-assisted TOT, including robotics, virtual reality, and AI feedback, enhanced engagement and outcomes, especially among patients with chronic stroke. Task-oriented training is a vital strategy for enhancing motor recovery and independence after stroke. Early, frequent, and task specific training, coupled with technology integration, can optimise rehabilitation outcomes. Future research should focus on standardising protocols and expanding accessibility in varied clinical environments.

Keywords: task-oriented training, Stroke rehabilitation, hemiplegia, motor function, functional independence

References

  1. Arya, K. N., Pandian, S., Verma, R., & Garg, R. K. (2011). Movement therapy induced neural reorganization and motor recovery in stroke: a review. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 15(4), 528–537. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jbmt.2011.01.023
  2. Barclay, R. E., Stevenson, T. J., Poluha, W., Ripat, J., Nett, C., & Srikesavan, C. S. (2015). Task-oriented interventions for upper limb recovery in stroke survivors: A meta-analysis. American Journal of Occupational Therapy, 69(2), 6902290010p1–6902290010p11. https://doi.org/10.5014/ajot.2015.014266
  3. Bayona, N. A., Bitensky, J., Salter, K., & Teasell, R. (2005). The role of task-specific training in rehabilitation therapies. Top Stroke Rehabil, 12(3), 58–65. https://doi.org/10.1310/BQM5-6YGB-MVJ5-WVCR
  4. Chen, J., Jin, W., Zhang, X. X., Xu, W., Liu, X. N., & Ren, C. C. (2015). Telerehabilitation interventions for stroke survivors: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Journal of Stroke and Cerebrovascular Diseases, 24(12), 2660–2668. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jstrokecerebrovasdis.2015.09.014
  5. European Stroke Organisation (ESO) Executive Committee & ESO Writing Committee. (2008). Guidelines for management of ischaemic stroke and transient ischaemic attack 2008. Cerebrovascular Diseases, 25(5), 457–507. https://doi.org/10.1159/000131083
  6. Feigin, V. L., Norrving, B., & Mensah, G. A. (2017). Global burden of stroke. Circulation Research, 120(3), 439–448. https://doi.org/10.1161/CIRCRESAHA.116.308413
  7. French, B., Thomas, L. H., et al. (2016). Repetitive task training for improving functional ability after stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, 11(11), CD006073. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006073.pub3
  8. Johnson, C. O., Nguyen, M., Roth, G. A., Nichols, E., Alam, T., Abate, D., et al. (2019). Global, regional, and national burden of stroke, 1990–2016: A systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2016. The Lancet Neurology, 18(5), 439–458. https://doi.org/10.1016/S1474-4422(19)30034-1
  9. Kleim, J. A., & Jones, T. A. (2008). Principles of experience-dependent neural plasticity: Implications for rehabilitation after brain damage. Journal of Speech, Language, and Hearing Research, 51(1), S225–S239. https://doi.org/10.1044/1092-4388(2008/018)
  10. Krakauer, J. W. (2006). Motor learning: Its relevance to stroke recovery and neurorehabilitation. Current Opinion in Neurology, 19(1), 84–90. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.wco.0000200544.29915.cc
  11. Kwakkel, G., Kollen, B. J., & Wagenaar, R. C. (2006). A critical review on the effect of therapy on functional recovery after stroke. Physical Therapy, 86(7), 940–957. https://doi.org/10.1093/ptj/86.7.940
  12. Kwakkel, G., Kollen, B. J., van der Grond, J., & Prevo, A. J. (2003). Effects of paresis severity and time since stroke onset on the likelihood of upper limb dexterity recovery. Stroke, 34(9), 2181–2186. https://doi.org/10.1161/01.STR.0000087172.16305.CD
  13. Lang, C. E., MacDonald, J. R., & Reisman, D. S. (2009). Amounts of movement practice during stroke rehab: An observational study. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 90(10), 1692–1698. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2009.05.010
  14. Langhorne, P., Bernhardt, J., & Kwakkel, G. (2011). Stroke rehabilitation. The Lancet, 377(9778), 1693–1702. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0140-6736(11)60325-5
  15. Laver, K. E., Lange, B., George, S., Deutsch, J. E., Saposnik, G., & Crotty, M. (2017). Virtual reality for stroke rehabilitation. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11), CD008349. https://doi.org/10.1002 /14651858.CD008349.pub4
  16. Lennon, S., & Ashburn, A. (2000). The Bobath concept in stroke rehabilitation: A focus group study of the experienced physiotherapists’ perspective. Disability and Rehabilitation, 22(15), 665–674. https://doi.org/10.1080/096382800445461
  17. Lohse, K. R., Boyd, L. A., & Hodges, N. J. (2014). Behavioral and neural mechanisms of motor skill acquisition over time: A review. Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews, 45, 44–60. https://doi.org/10.1016 /j.neubiorev.2014.05.008
  18. Lohse, K. R., Lang, C. E., & Boyd, L. A. (2014). Exploring dose–response relationships in stroke rehab through meta-analytic data. Stroke, 45(7), 2053–2058. https://doi.org/10.1161/STROKEAHA.114.005106
  19. Mehrholz, J., Pohl, M., Platz, T., Kugler, J., & Elsner, B. (2015). Robot-assisted and electromechanical arm training for improving strength and daily function post-stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11), CD006876. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD006876.pub4
  20. Mehrholz, J., Thomas, S.,Werner, C., Kugler, J., Pohl, M., Elsner, B., (2017). Electromechanical-assisted training for walking after stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (5), CD006185. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858. CD006185.pub4
  21. Morone, G., Bragoni, M., Iosa, M., Foti, C., Di Biase, L., Coiro, P., et al. (2011). Current state and future perspectives of robot-assisted gait training for stroke patients. Neuropsychiatric Disease and Treatment, 7, 859–867. https://doi.org/10.2147/NDT.S16934
  22. Nudo, R. J. (2013). Recovery after brain injury: Mechanisms and principles. Frontiers in Human Neuroscience, 7, 887. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnhum.2013.00887
  23. Pandian, J. D., William, A. G., Kate, M. P., Deshmukh, S., Kumar, H., Gupta, A., et al. (2017). Strategies to improve stroke care services in low- and middle-income countries: A systematic review. Neuroepidemiology, 49(1–2), 45–61. https://doi.org/10.1159/000479518
  24. Park, J., & Yoo, C. (2015). Effects of task-oriented training on upper extremity function and performance of daily activities in chronic stroke patients. Journal of Physical Therapy Science, 27(8), 2657–2659. 10.1589/jpts.27.2657
  25. Pollock, A., Farmer, S. E., Brady, M. C., Langhorne, P., Mead, G. E., Mehrholz, J., et al. (2014). Interventions for improving upper limb function after stroke. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, (11), CD010820. https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD010820.pub2
  26. Pollock, A., St George, B., Fenton, M., & Firkins, L. (2014). Priority research topics for life post-stroke—Consensus from survivors, caregivers, and clinicians. International Journal of Stroke, 9(3), 313–320. https://doi.org/10.1111/ijs.12175
  27. Veerbeek, J. M., Langbroek-Amersfoort, A. C., van Wegen, E. E. H., Meskers, C. G. M., & Kwakkel, G. (2017). Effects of robot-assisted therapy for the upper limb after stroke. Neurorehabilitation and Neural Repair, 31(2), 107–121. https://doi.org/10.1177/1545968316666957
  28. Winstein, C. J., Rose, D. K., Tan, S. M., Lewthwaite, R., Chui, H. C., & Azen, S. P. (2004). A randomized controlled comparison of upper-extremity rehabilitation strategies in acute stroke: A pilot study of immediate and long-term outcomes. Archives of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, 85(4), 620–628. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.apmr.2003.06.027
  29. Winstein, C. J., Stein, J., Arena, R., Bates, B., Cherney, L. R., Cramer, S. C., et al. (2016). Guidelines for adult stroke rehabilitation and recovery: A guideline for healthcare professionals from the American Heart Association/American Stroke Association. Stroke, 47(6), e98–e169. https://doi.org/10.1161/STR.00000000 00000098
  30. Wulf, G., Shea, C., & Lewthwaite, R. (2010). Motor skill learning and performance: A review of influential factors. Medical Education, 44(1), 75–84. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2923.2009.03421.x
Recently Cited By
Loading citations...
Citation copied to clipboard
×
Cite this Article