scholarly journals Determining the Effects of a Horticultural Therapy Program for Improving the Upper Limb Function and Balance Ability of Stroke Patients

HortScience ◽  
2018 ◽  
Vol 53 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
A-Young Lee ◽  
Sin-Ae Park ◽  
Hye-Gyeong Park ◽  
Ki-Cheol Son
Keyword(s):  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Stroke Patients ◽  
Horticultural Therapy ◽  
Limb Function ◽  
Rehabilitation Hospital ◽  
Upper Limb Function ◽  
Task Oriented

The objective of this study was to assess the physical and psychological effects of an 18-session horticultural therapy (HT) program based on task-oriented training in stroke patients and investigate patient satisfaction. The HT program consisted of horticultural activities including the motions such as reaching–grasping, squatting, stepping, and stooping. A total of 31 stroke inpatients (16 males, 15 females) at B rehabilitation hospital in Seongnam, South Korea, participated in this study. Fourteen stroke patients participated in a thrice weekly HT program (6 weeks, ≈60 minutes per session) between Aug. and Sept. 2016, whereas another 17 stoke patients comprised the control group. At the completion of the 18-session HT program, upper limb function [manual function test (MFT)], grip strength (hydraulic hand dynamometer), pinch force (hydraulic pinch gauge), fine motor skills (9-hole pegboard), balance [Berg Balance Scale (BBS)], and activities of daily living (Modified Barthel Index) were evaluated in both groups. In addition, depression [The Korean version of the short form of Geriatric Depression Scales (SGDS-K)], rehabilitation stress (Rehabilitation Stress Scales), rehabilitation motivation (Rehabilitation Motivation Scales), and fall efficacy (The Korean version of the Falls Efficacy Scale) were evaluated. Stroke patients in the HT group showed significantly improved upper limb function, hand force, balance, fall efficacy, activities of daily living, and decreased depression (P < 0.05). By contrast, no significant change was noted in the control group. In addition, 85.7% of the stroke patients in the HT group reported being very satisfied or satisfied with the HT program. In conclusion, the HT program based on task-oriented training improved the patients’ physical and psychological function after stroke rehabilitation. These study results suggest that implementing an HT program in a rehabilitation hospital will effectively contribute to functional recovery after stroke.

scholarly journals Influence of Electrotherapy with Task-Oriented Training on Spasticity, Hand Function, Upper Limb Function, and Activities of Daily Living in Patients with Subacute Stroke: A Double-Blinded, Randomized, Controlled Trial

Healthcare ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (8) ◽  
pp. 987
Author(s):  
Jong-Hoon Moon ◽  
Hwi-Young Cho ◽  
Suk-Chan Hahm
Keyword(s):  
Activities Of Daily Living ◽  
Upper Limb ◽  
Daily Living ◽  
Controlled Trial ◽  
Hand Function ◽  
Limb Function ◽  
Upper Limb Function ◽  
Subacute Stroke ◽  
Function Test ◽  
Task Oriented

The effects of electrotherapy with task-oriented training on upper limb function in subacute stroke patients are unclear. This study investigated the influence of transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation (TENS) with task-oriented training on spasticity, hand function, upper limb function, and activities of daily living in patients with subacute stroke. Forty-eight patients with subacute stroke were randomly assigned to either the TENS group (n = 22) or the placebo-TENS group (n = 21). High-frequency (100 Hz) TENS with below-motor threshold intensity or placebo-TENS was applied for 30 min/day, five times a week, for 4 weeks. The two groups also received task-oriented training after TENS. The Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Jebsen–Taylor Hand Function Test (JTHFT), Manual Function Test (MFT), and Modified Barthel Index (MBI) were used to assess spasticity, hand function, upper limb function, and activities of daily living, respectively. There was a significant time–group interaction with the MFT (p = 0.003). The TENS group showed significantly improved MAS (p = 0.003), JTHFT (p < 0.001), MFT (p < 0.001), and MBI (p < 0.001) scores after the intervention. The placebo-TENS group showed significantly improved JTHFT (p < 0.001), MFT (p = 0.001), and MBI scores (p < 0.001). There was a significant correlation between the MFT and MBI scores (p = 0.025). These results suggest that electrotherapy with task-oriented training can be used to improve upper limb function in patients with subacute stroke.

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