Effect of Weighted Hand Movements on Hand Function in Chronic Stroke Patients

Abstract

Background: Hand dysfunction is a common problem of stroke patients and it is the main cause of impairment of the upper limb. Finding new method to improve hand performance will decrease the disability of chronic stroke patients.Aim of the study: to study the effect of bilateral hand training with weight on the non paretic hand on the hand performance and time of performance in chronic stroke patients. Materials and Methods:Thirty left chronic stroke patients participated in this study. The patients were assigned randomly into two equal groups. Group one (G1) received unilateral hand training and group two (G2) received bilateral hand training with weight on non affected hand. Both groups assessed two times before starting training program and after two months of training by Fugl meyer assessment scale, Wolf motor function test and hand dynamometer for the motor performance, time of performance and hand grip respectively.Results: the patients in G2 showed significant improvement in the hand performance (P<.0001) and significant decrease in the time of performance (P<.001) and also significant improvement of hand grip (P<.0001). Conclusion:Bilateral hand movement with weight on the non affected hand has a significant effect on improving hand performance and decreasing the time of performance and increasing hand grip than unilateral hand movement.