Task-based, high intensity bilateral training programs on upper limb function in adults with early subacute stroke in West Africa. (R-12351)

Stroke leaves heavy and long-term consequences making the victim dependent on activities of daily life, work, participation. According to the WHO, low- and middle-income countries are the most affected, accounting for 80% of stroke cases. The victims experience impairment of motor function of the upper extremity, with up to 80% of stroke survivors having upper limb impairment at early stage after stroke; therefore, the patients develop limitations on activities of daily living, engagement in social life and quality of life in general. Task-oriented training is very important in daily life. This doctoral thesis aims to investigate the feasibility and the effect of the high-intensive, task-oriented bilateral training on upper limb function and activities in stroke survivors at the early sub-acute stage and consists of 4 studies, (1) a meta-analysis to investigate the effect of the different bilateral training versus unilateral training, (2) observational study to investigate the current content and training parameters of upper extremity training in west Africa (3) a dose escalation study to identify the tolerable dose of the task-oriented, bilateral training of upper extremity for stroke survivors in the early subacute stage and (4) a randomized controlled trial to evaluate the effectiveness of intensive bilateral task-oriented training compared to unilateral intensive training (CIMT)on motor function, activities of daily living and participation in adults with early subacute stroke.

Keywords:Neurological rehabilitation

Disciplines:Physiotherapy, Rehabilitation

Project type:Collaboration project