TO COMPARE THE EFFECTIVENESS OF TASK ORIENTED TRAINING VERSUS MAT EXERCISES ON MUSCLE STRENGTH AND BALANCE IN POST STROKE PATIENTS

Background: Stroke results in functional impairments across motor, cognitive, and sensory domains, often leading to signicant residual decits. Motor impairment, the most common consequence, is a major focus of rehabilitation, with many new therapeutic strategies emerging for recovery. While research has largely concentrated on lower limb motor recovery due to ease of intervention and mobility considerations, upper limb motor impairment remains a signicant challenge that requires continued attention in rehabilitation efforts. Objectives: The study aimed to compare the effectiveness of Task Oriented Training with Conventional Therapy versus Mat Exercises with Conventional Therapy to Improve Muscle Strength and Balance in Post Stroke Patients. Methods: Thirty acute and subacute stroke patients, with stroke onset < 2 weeks, were randomly assigned to two groups (15 each). Group A received task-oriented training with conventional therapy, and Group B underwent MAT exercises with conventional therapy. Muscle strength and balance were assessed using the MAS and BBS. Both groups participated in 45-minute sessions, six days a week, for 8 weeks. Pre- and post-intervention data were compared to evaluate improvements in muscle strength and balance. Result: Both groups showed signicant improvements, but Group A (task-oriented training with conventional therapy) demonstrated greater gains in muscle strength and balance compared to Group B (MAT exercises with conventional therapy)(p<0.05). Conclusion: Both task-oriented training with conventional therapy and MAT exercises with conventional therapy improved muscle strength and balance in sub-acute stroke patients. However, task-oriented training with conventional therapy resulted in greater improvements in reaching forward, grasping, muscle strength, and balance after 8 weeks of intervention.