Abstract
Strength training in stroke focuses more on improving the impairment of muscle weakness after stroke. Task specific training along with strength training may improve upper limb impairment, functional outcome and participation after stroke. A systematic review was conducted to analyse the available evidence on task specific training combined with strength training on upper limb performance post stroke. Databases like The Cochrane Central Register of Trials (CENTRAL), PubMed, PEDro, Clinical Trial Registry of India and OTseeker were searched in order to find the required studies. Stroke, task-specific training, functional strength training, task-oriented strength training, task-specific strength training, upper limb performance, activities, and participation were the key search terms. Studies published in English language up to October 2023 were taken into consideration. For the purpose of the review, studies that examined the efficacy of combined strength training and task specific training on upper limb recovery, activity and participation post stroke were taken into account. The studies of other combinations with task specific training were excluded. Outcome measures measuring upper limb motor recovery, functional performance, activities and participation post stroke were considered in the review. Five studies were selected for the current systematic review out of the 384 studies screened. Task specific training combined with strength training functional strength training were reviewed in the selected studies. The review conclude that a combined therapeutic strategy using task specific training and strength training addressing improvement of upper limb recovery can be more effective in comparison to the standard therapy.
Keywords: Activity, Participation, Strength Training, Stroke, Task Specific Training, Upper Limb Recovery.