Effectiveness of task-oriented training on upper limb function in post-stroke patients: A case study

Background & Aim: Stroke is one of the leading causes of mortality and long-term disability worldwide, with upper limb impairment being a common consequence that limits functional task performance. This case report aimed to examine the effectiveness of task-oriented training (TOT), a rehabilitation approach emphasizing repetitive practice of functional tasks to promote motor learning and functional recovery, in improving upper limb function in a patient with post-stroke hemiparesis during the sub-acute stage of recovery.
Case: A 56-year-old right-hand dominant male presented four months post-stroke with persistent right-sided hemiparesis, predominantly affecting upper limb function. Neurological examination revealed moderate spasticity (Modified Ashworth Scale grade 2) and reduced voluntary motor control, with movement through approximately half of the range and moderate dysmetria on coordination testing. Baseline assessment showed moderate impairment: with Wolf Motor Function Test (WMFT) score of 28/75, Fugl-Meyer Assessment for upper extremity (FMA-UE) 32/66, and Stroke Impact Scale (SIS) hand function 35/100. The patient underwent an 8-week structured physiotherapy programme based on TOT, consisting of four 60-minute sessions per week. Each session included a 10-minute warm-up followed by 50 minutes of functional tasks such as drinking from a glass, transferring objects, and combing hair. Post-intervention assessment after 8 weeks showed improvements in WMFT (50/75), FMA-UE (50/66), and SIS hand function (70/100), indicating enhanced motor recovery and functional performance.
Conclusions: The findings of this case study showed improvement in upper limb motor function and functional use of the affected hand following task-oriented training in an individual recovering from stroke. Repetitive practice of goal-directed functional tasks appeared to facilitate motor relearning and enhance independence in activities of daily living during the sub-acute stage of recovery.