The Effect of Task-Oriented Training on Upper-Limb Function, Visual Perception, and Activities of Daily Living in Acute Stroke Patients: A Pilot Study

This pilot study aimed to investigate the effects of task-oriented training on upper-limb functioning, visual perception, and activities of daily living (ADL) in acute stroke patients. Of 20 participants, 10 were randomly assigned in a 1:1 ratio to experimental and control groups. Task-oriented training and table-top activity training were implemented for 6 weeks. Change in upper-limb functioning was assessed with the Manual Function Test (MFT); visual perceptual skill and ADL performance were evaluated using the Motor-Free Visual Perception Test—Vertical (MVPT-V) and Korean Modified Barthel Index (K-MBI), respectively. There was a significant interaction in the MFT and MBI score between the group and time ( p < 0.05), but the group effect was not significant ( p > 0.05). The MFT and MBI score significantly increased in both groups after the intervention ( p < 0.001), but the effect size was greater in the task-oriented training group than the table-top activity training group. No significant interaction with MVPT-V score was found between the group and time ( p > 0.05), and no statistical group difference was found either ( p > 0.05). Both groups showed significant improvement in their MVPT-V score after the intervention ( p < 0.001). The pilot study findings demonstrate that both task-oriented training and table-top activity training are effective in recovering upper-limb function, visual perception, and ADL in acute stroke patients.