RESULTS Studies of task-related training showed benefits for functional outcome compared with traditional therapies .
Active use of task-oriented training with stroke survivors will lead to improvements in functional outcomes and overall health-related quality of life .
CONCLUSION Generally , task-oriented rehabilitation proved to be more effective .
Many interventions are feasible for nurses and can be performed in a ward or at home .
AIM This paper is a report of a review conducted to provide an overview of the evidence in the literature on task-oriented training of stroke survivors and its relevance in daily nursing practice .
BACKGROUND Stroke is the second leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of adult disability in the Western world .
The use of neurodevelopmental treatment in the daily nursing care of stroke survivors does not improve clinical outcomes .
Nurses are therefore exploring other forms of rehabilitation intervention , including task-oriented rehabilitation .
Despite the growing number of studies showing evidence on task-oriented interventions , recommendations for daily nursing practice are lacking .
Mental Practice in Chronic Stroke: Results of a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Background and Purpose — Mental practice ( MP ) of a particular motor skill has repeatedly been shown to activate the same musculature and neural areas as physical practice of the skill . Pilot study results suggest that a rehabilitation program incorporating MP of valued motor skills in chronic stroke patients provides sufficient repetitive practice to increase affected arm use and function . This Phase 2 study compared efficacy of a rehabilitation program incorporating MP of specific arm movements to a placebo condition using r and omized controlled methods and an appropriate sample size . Method — Thirty-two chronic stroke patients ( mean=3.6 years ) with moderate motor deficits received 30-minute therapy sessions occurring 2 days/week for 6 weeks , and emphasizing activities of daily living . Subjects r and omly assigned to the experimental condition also received 30-minute MP sessions provided directly after therapy requiring daily MP of the activities of daily living ; subjects assigned to the control group received the same amount of therapist interaction as the experimental group , and a sham intervention directly after therapy , consisting of relaxation . Outcomes were evaluated by a blinded rater using the Action Research Arm test and the upper extremity section of the Fugl-Meyer Assessment . Results — No pre-existing group differences were found on any demographic variable or movement scale . Subjects receiving MP showed significant reductions in affected arm impairment and significant increases in daily arm function ( both at the P<0.0001 level ) . Only patients in the group receiving MP exhibited new ability to perform valued activities . Conclusions — The results support the efficacy of programs incorporating mental practice for rehabilitating affected arm motor function in patients with chronic stroke . These changes are clinical ly significant
RESULTS Studies of task-related training showed benefits for functional outcome compared with traditional therapies .
Active use of task-oriented training with stroke survivors will lead to improvements in functional outcomes and overall health-related quality of life .
CONCLUSION Generally , task-oriented rehabilitation proved to be more effective .
Many interventions are feasible for nurses and can be performed in a ward or at home .
AIM This paper is a report of a review conducted to provide an overview of the evidence in the literature on task-oriented training of stroke survivors and its relevance in daily nursing practice .
BACKGROUND Stroke is the second leading cause of death and one of the leading causes of adult disability in the Western world .
The use of neurodevelopmental treatment in the daily nursing care of stroke survivors does not improve clinical outcomes .
Nurses are therefore exploring other forms of rehabilitation intervention , including task-oriented rehabilitation .
Despite the growing number of studies showing evidence on task-oriented interventions , recommendations for daily nursing practice are lacking .