Effect of task-oriented training added to the rehabilitation program of individuals with chronic stroke on upper extremity muscle thickness and upper extremity motor functions: A randomized controlled study

Task-oriented exercise training is an effective rehabilitation approach aimed at improving upper extremity motor function and functional use following stroke. This study investigates the effects of task-oriented exercise on upper extremity muscle thickness and motor function in individuals with chronic stroke. A total of 38 participants, who were at least six months post-stroke and in Brunnstrom upper extremity stages 4–5, were included and randomly assigned to two groups: the task-oriented exercise (TOE) group and the multi-component rehabilitation program (MRP) group. The TOE group received 15 minutes of task-oriented training and 45 minutes of rehabilitation per session, while the MRP group received 60 minutes of rehabilitation. Both groups participated in the intervention three times per week for six weeks. Motor function was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment for Upper Extremity (FMA-UE), the Wolf Motor Function Test, and the Motor Activity Log-28. Grip strength was measured with a dynamometer; muscle thickness (biceps, triceps, deltoid) was evaluated via ultrasound; and functional status was assessed using the Functional Independence Measure (FIM). Both groups showed significant within-group improvements in motor function, grip strength, muscle thickness, and functional independence following the intervention (p<0.01). However, the increase in FMA-UE scores was significantly greater in the TOE group (p<0.05). No significant between-group differences were observed in muscle thickness or functional independence. In conclusion, task-oriented exercise appears to be effective in enhancing upper extremity motor function in individuals with chronic stroke. However, longer intervention durations may be required to achieve improvements in structural parameters and overall functional independence.