Investigation of the Effects of Visual-Motor Based Training on Upper Extremity Functions in Individuals With Stroke

Condition(s) studied

Investigational drug(s) / intervention(s)

Experimental group: Individuals in both groups will receive a physiotherapy program for 3 sessions per week, 60 minutes per day, for a total of 8 weeks.The study consists of two groups: the experimental group and the control group. Both groups will receive a physiotherapy program of 3 sessions per week, each lasting 60 minutes, for a total of 8 weeks. Within the 60-minute physiotherapy session, patients from both groups will undergo 30 minutes of exercises based on the Neurodevelopmental Treatment (NDT) method. In addition, a 12-minute training session will be conducted using a light-based trainer system (Light Trainer® Exercise System).

Control group: In addition to the full-body exercises mentioned, individuals in the control group will also receive upper extremity exercises based on the Neurodevelopmental Treatment approach. These exercises are as follows: * Functional reaching activities at the table in a sitting position (e.g., pushing objects, wiping the table, touching various points) * Ball sliding on the wall in a standing position * Touching different targets on the wall in a standing position * Drawing shapes on the wall in a standing position These exercises will be performed bilaterally and on the hemiparetic side. The exercises will be given for approximately 12 minutes, in line with the exercises given to the experimental group. The difficulty level will not be increased during the training.

Study summary

The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of visual-motor based training and physiotherapy program on upper extremity functions in individuals with stroke and to compare with physiotherapy program.

Eligibility

Primary outcome measure(s)

• Modified Ashworth Scale — eight weeks
  Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS) will be used to evaluate the muscle tone of the \*\*shoulder, elbow, wrist, and finger flexors\*\* in post-stroke patients. This scale will be applied both as part of the \*\*initial assessment\*\* for determining eligibility and to evaluate the \*\*effectiveness of the intervention\*\* by comparing pre- and post-treatment scores. MAS grades muscle tone on a 6-point ordinal scale.Each measurement will be performed twice. Data will be entered into the statistical database both as ordinal values (0 to 4) and using a coding system for further analysis. Patients will be evaluated pre- and post-treatment using the MAS.
• Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity Assessment — eight weeks
  The Fugl-Meyer Motor Assessment Scale is a performance-based motor impairment scale developed to evaluate recovery in individuals with stroke. This scale includes subtests that assess upper and lower extremity functions, balance, sensation, and posture. In our study, the upper extremity gross and fine motor functions of patients will be assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FM-UE) Assessment Scale. The maximum score that can be obtained in the assessment is 66, with higher scores indicating better motor function. Patients will be evaluated pre- and post-treatment using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment Scale.
• Wolf Motor Function Test — eight weeks
  The Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) is a test developed to evaluate motor skills in patients with moderate to severe upper extremity motor deficits The original version was developed by Wolf and colleagues. In our study, the modified version developed by Morris and colleagues will be used.Data will be collected for 15 activities in two areas: "functional ability" and "performance time". The duration of the test is 30-45 minutes.Each activity will be rated by the physiotherapist using a scale of 0 to 5 based on the functional ability section, where:0 = "The affected hand is not used at all during the activity",5 = "Normal movement".The average score for functional ability will be calculated, and based on this, the patient will receive a score between 0 and 5, with higher scores indicating good functional ability.The performance time will be recorded in seconds.The maximum time given to complete an activity is 120seconds.Patients will be evaluated pre- and post-treatment using the WMFT
• Purdue Pegboard Test — eight weeks
  The Purdue Pegboard Test(PPT) is used to assess the motor skills and coordination of the upper extremity. The test consists of a board with two parallel rows of 25 holes, along with pegs, rings, and small pins.In our study, upper extremity motor skills and coordination will be evaluated using the PPT. Scoring: Each pin inserted with the right or left hand earns 1 point, each pair of pins inserted with both hands earns 1 point, and each completed combination (pin, washer, and nut) is worth 4 points. Patients will be evaluated pre- and post-treatment using the PPT.

Trial sites (1)

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