Effectiveness of Task-Oriented Training versus Conventional Physiotherapy on Gross Motor Function, Balance, and Functional Independence in Children with Spastic Cerebral Palsy: A Randomized Controlled Trial

Hafsa Zahid; Rahila Suleman; Zarqa Sharif; Hanan Azfar; Bisma Shakil; Sufyan Nawaz; Umar Farooq Nazir; Muhammad Tahir

doi:10.61919/d6rhtq22

Authors

Hafsa Zahid Lecturer, Department of Rehabilitation Sciences, Green International University, Lahore, Pakistan Author
Rahila Suleman Assistant Professor, University Institute of Physical Therapy, Ibadat International University, Islamabad, Pakistan Author
Zarqa Sharif Physiotherapist, Optimum Health Soultion Australia Author
Hanan Azfar Orthopedic Manual Therapist, Medline Healthcare, Gujranwala, Pakistan Author
Bisma Shakil Head of Department, Khalida Memorial Institute of Allied Health and Medical Sciences, Sialkot, Pakistan Author
Sufyan Nawaz Assistant Professor, University of Sialkot, Sialkot, Pakistan Author
Umar Farooq Nazir Therapy plus Clinic, Architects Engineers Housing Society, Lahore Author
Muhammad Tahir Therapy plus Clinic, Architects Engineers Housing Society, Lahore Author https://orcid.org/0000-0002-1280-0529

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.61919/d6rhtq22

Keywords:

chronic stroke; mirror therapy; task-oriented training; upper limb; motor recovery; Fugl-Meyer Assessment; Action Research Arm Test

Abstract

Background: Persistent upper-limb impairment after stroke restricts independence and participation in daily activities. Mirror therapy provides augmented visual feedback that may enhance task-oriented motor practice. Objective: To compare mirror therapy combined with task-oriented training with task-oriented training alone for improving upper-limb motor function and functional performance in adults with chronic stroke. Methods: This assessor-blinded, two-arm randomized controlled trial was conducted at Therapy Plus Clinic, Lahore, Pakistan. Twenty-eight adults with chronic stroke were allocated equally to mirror therapy plus task-oriented training or task-oriented training alone. Outcomes were assessed at baseline and immediately after treatment. The primary outcome was the Fugl-Meyer Assessment–Upper Extremity, and the secondary outcome was the Action Research Arm Test. Within-group changes were examined using paired-samples t tests, and change scores were compared between groups using independent-samples t tests. Results: Fugl-Meyer scores improved by 14.2 ± 5.0 points in the combined group and 7.3 ± 4.4 points in the comparison group, producing a between-group difference of 6.9 points (95% CI, 3.24–10.56; p = 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.47). Action Research Arm Test scores improved by 14.8 ± 5.7 and 7.1 ± 4.9 points, respectively, with a between-group difference of 7.7 points (95% CI, 3.57–11.83; p = 0.001; Cohen’s d = 1.45). Conclusion: Mirror therapy combined with task-oriented training produced greater immediate improvement in upper-limb motor impairment and structured functional performance than task-oriented training alone

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