Universa Medicina
Vol. 45 No. 3 (2026): Ahead of Print

Effects of arm ability training versus task-oriented training on dexterity, functional ability, and quality of life in subacute stroke survivors: a single-blinded randomized controlled trial

Mythili D. (Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 602105, India)
Kotteeswaran K. (Saveetha College of Physiotherapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical & Technical Sciences, Thandalam, Tamil Nadu, 602105, India)
Balchandar V. (Jaya College of Paramedical Sciences, College of Physiotherapy “The Tamil Nadu Dr. MGR Medical University,” Guindy, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, 600062, India)



Article Info

Publish Date
24 Oct 2026

Abstract

BACKGROUNDStroke is a worldwide health issue, with the loss of upper limb function along with diminished cognitive function. Post stroke, more than 2/3 of the patients have impairment in the motor function of the upper limb. As a result, there will be difficulty in performing activities of daily living. Hence, this study focused on comparing the effects of arm ability training (AAT) and task oriented training (TOT) on improving dexterity, functional ability, and quality of life  in subacute stroke survivors.  METHODS This was a randomized clinical study involving 210 sub-acute stroke patients. They were randomized into group A (n=105) receiving arm-ability training, and group B (n=105) receiving task-orientated training. Both groups received treatment 5 days a week, for 3 weeks. The outcome measures included the modified standardized nine-hole peg test (mS-NHPT). Graded Wolf Motor Function Test (gWMFT) and 12-item Stroke-Specific Quality of Life Scale Questionnaire (SS-QoL-12). The independent t - test and the Chi Square test of independence for gender variance were used for statistical analysis. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTSBaseline assessment observed no statistically significant difference between groups for AAT and TOT (p>0.05). AAT exhibited significant improvements over TOT in terms of mS-NHPT, gWMFT (FAS, PT), and SS-QOL-12 (p<0.0001) among sub acute stroke survivors. CONCLUSIONThis study provides support for the superior efficacy of AAT than TOT in dexterity, functional ability and quality of life among subacute stroke survivors. These beneficial effects were observed after 3 weeks of training.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

medicina

Publisher

Subject

Health Professions Immunology & microbiology Medicine & Pharmacology Public Health

Description

Universa Medicina (univ.med) is a four-monthly medical journal that publishes new research findings on a wide variety of topics of importance to biomedical science and clinical practice. Universa Medicina Online contains both the current issue and an online archive that can be accessed through ...