Thesis (M.Sc.) - Cairo University - Faculty of Physical Therapy - Department of Physical Therapy for Neuromuscular and Neurosurgery

Background: Proper hand function is essential for everyday life activities. However, post stroke, muscle contracture and joint stiffness develop as a common consequence of immobility in hand. Objective: This study was conducted to determine the effect of adding mobilization to task oriented training on hand function in chronic stroke patients. Methods: Thirty chronic stroke patients participated in this study and were randomly divided into two equal groups; study group, which received joints mobilization followed by task oriented training for the affected hand and control group, which received task oriented training for the affected hand. Both groups received treatment three times per week for a period of six weeks. All patients were evaluated before and after therapy. The primary outcome measures were hand function that was assessed by Jebsen-Taylor Hand Function Test, and active and passive wrist extension range of motion that was measured by a standard goniometer.The secondary outcome measure was grip strength that was assessed by a JAMAR Adjustable Hand Dynamometer. Results: The results of this study showed that post treatment; both groups showed a significant improvement in all outcome measures compared with pre treatment. However, there was a statistically significant difference between both groups regarding all the outcome measures in favor to the study group

Issued also as CD