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 .
Task-related training improves performance of seated reaching tasks after stroke. A randomized controlled trial.
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE After stroke , the ability to balance in sitting is critical to independence . Although impairments in sitting balance are common , little is known about the effectiveness of rehabilitation strategies design ed to improve it . The purpose of this r and omized placebo-controlled study was to evaluate the effect of a 2-week task-related training program aim ed at increasing distance reached and the contribution of the affected lower leg to support and balance . METHODS Twenty subjects at least 1 year after stroke were r and omized into an experimental or control group . The experimental group participated in a st and ardized training program involving practice of reaching beyond arm 's length . The control group received sham training involving completion of cognitive-manipulative tasks within arm 's length .  Performance of reaching in sitting was measured before and after training using electromyography , videotaping , and two force plates . Variables tested were movement time , distance reached , vertical ground reaction forces through the feet , and muscle activity . Subjects were also tested on sit-to-st and , walking , and cognitive tasks .  Nineteen subjects completed the study . RESULTS After training , experimental subjects were able to reach faster and further , increase load through the affected foot , and increase activation of affected leg muscles compared with the control group ( P < .01 ) . The experimental group also improved in sit-to-st and . The control group did not improve in reaching or sit-to-st and . Neither group improved in walking . CONCLUSIONS This study provides strong evidence of the efficacy of task-related motor training in improving the ability to balance during seated reaching activities after stroke
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 .