Comparison of Task-Specific Training and Strength-Based Rehabilitation on Functional Outcome in Stroke Survivors

Abstract

Background: Stroke is a major cause of long-term motor disability and dependence in activities of daily living, requiring rehabilitation strategies that promote clinically meaningful functional recovery. Task-specific training and strength-based rehabilitation are both used in post-stroke care, but their comparative short-term effectiveness remains insufficiently established in resource-constrained clinical settings. Objective: To compare the effects of task-specific training and strength-based rehabilitation on upper limb motor function, lower limb motor function, and functional independence among stroke survivors. Methods: This single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at Tehsil Headquarter Hospital, Muridke, Pakistan. Thirty-one adults aged 40–70 years with acute or subacute ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke completed the study and were analyzed, including 16 participants in the task-specific training group and 15 in the strength-based rehabilitation group. Both groups received four 60-minute sessions per week for four weeks. Outcomes were assessed using the Fugl-Meyer Assessment upper extremity subscale, Fugl-Meyer Assessment lower extremity subscale, and Barthel Index. Results: At four weeks, task-specific training produced significantly higher FMA-UE scores than strength-based rehabilitation (35.38±5.23 vs. 31.13±5.74; mean difference 4.25; 95% CI 0.20 to 8.30; p=0.040), higher FMA-LE scores (20.75±3.32 vs. 15.40±2.44; mean difference 5.35; 95% CI 3.21 to 7.49; p<0.001), and higher Barthel Index scores (65.31±8.11 vs. 48.20±9.71; mean difference 17.11; 95% CI 10.50 to 23.72; p<0.001). Conclusion: Task-specific training produced greater short-term improvements in motor recovery and functional independence than strength-based rehabilitation among stroke survivors.