Efficacy of Action Observation for Upper Limb Motor Deficit in Acute Stroke Participants
Arulmozhi Devi Anandan
Chyromed Works Sdn Bhd, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciencs, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia.
Suresh Kumar Selvaraj
Department of Physiotherapy, Faculty of Health Sciencs, MAHSA University, Selangor, Malaysia.
Raja Regan
PSG College of Physiotherapy, Coimbatore, India.
Shenbaga Sundaram Subramanian
Chettinad School of Physiotherapy, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam – 603103, Tamil Nadu, India.
Shazia Neelam
Chettinad School of Physiotherapy, Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Kelambakkam – 603103, Tamil Nadu, India.
Riziq Allah Mustafa Gaowgeh
Department of Physical Therapy, Faculty of Medical Rehabilitation Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589, Saudi Arabia.
*Author to whom correspondence should be addressed.
Abstract
Introduction: Action Observation (AO) is a multisensory approach encompassing motor, somatosensory and cognitive rehabilitation. Several Studies have proved the effects of action observation on recovery of motor functions in chronic stroke survivors. However, the effect of action observation strategy on acute stroke participants remains unclear. The objective of this study was to find out the effectiveness of action observation to improve upper limb function in acute stroke.
Methods: 28 acute stoke participants were selected based on inclusion and exclusion criteria and randomly assigned into two groups based on computer generated randomization. Action observation training group (AO) received action observation training and conventional group received conventional physiotherapy. Both the groups received 45 minutes session per day for the total duration of 10 days.
Results: Upper limb functions were measured using Fugl Myer upper limb component (FMA) and action research arm test (ARAT)at the baseline and after the intervention. Compared with the conventional training group, AO group showed significant improvement in ARAT but no significant difference between the groups in FMA.
Conclusion: In conclusion Action observation treatment may become a useful strategy in rehabilitation of acute stroke participants.
Keywords: Action observation, acute stroke, upper limb motor recovery, motor relearning, mirror neuron system