Τhe effect of task oriented approach on gait of hemiplegic patients: a case series study

The last few years, the main purpose of the treatment of the hemiplegic patient, is to regain his ability to execute functional activities of daily living independently. According to the latest studies, the effectiveness as well as the importance of task-oriented approach (TOA), is apparent and determining to reacquire the patient’s lost independency, through the practice of the specified functional activities. The aim of this study is to investigate a program of TOA on gait of hemiplegic patients. A sample of 5 post stroke patients was selected from according to the inclusion criteria. A TOA intervention was executed through the practice of 10 functional activities, related to gait, from Monday to Friday for 4 weeks. At the end of each week, gait and balance assessments were performed through the 10-meter walk test (10 MWT), the Berg balance scale (BBS), and the timed up and go test (TUG). The analysis indicates that TOA is extremely effective for stroke patients with mediocre and minor gait and balance deficits, as the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). The statistically significant difference was from the first assessment T1 to the final assessment T5 and was proven through BBS, TUG and 10 MWT. In conclusion, TOA is a quite beneficial and a cost-effective intervention for the rehabilitation of gait and balance for stroke patients, while consequently improving the quality of their everyday life, independently from their original functional status.