Effect of Task-Oriented Motor Training on Lower Limb Functional Recovery in Post-Stroke Patients: A Randomized Controlled Trial
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61919/054h8v16Keywords:
stroke rehabilitation; task-oriented motor training; gait recovery; balance; functional mobility; activities of daily living; randomized controlled trial.Abstract
Background: Lower limb dysfunction after stroke contributes substantially to impaired mobility, balance deficits, fall risk, and long-term dependence, particularly in settings where access to structured rehabilitation is limited. Task-oriented motor training is based on motor learning and neuroplasticity principles and may improve functional recovery through repetitive, goal-directed practice. Objective: To determine the effectiveness of task-oriented motor training on lower limb functional recovery in patients with sub-acute stroke. Methods: A single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Neurorehabilitation Department of a PIMS Teaching Hospital, Islamabad. A total of 102 participants with sub-acute stroke were randomized equally to task-oriented motor training or conventional physical therapy for six weeks, with sessions delivered for 45-60 minutes, five days per week. The primary outcome was lower extremity motor recovery measured by the Fugl-Meyer Assessment-Lower Extremity. Secondary outcomes included gait speed assessed by the 10-Meter Walk Test, balance assessed by the Berg Balance Scale, functional mobility assessed by the Timed Up and Go test, and activities of daily living assessed by the Barthel Index. Results: Ninety-five participants completed post-intervention assessment. Compared with conventional therapy, task-oriented motor training produced greater improvement in FMA-LE (+7.1 vs +4.0; p<0.001), 10MWT (+0.18 vs +0.09 m/s; p<0.001), Berg Balance Scale (+6.2 vs +3.7; p<0.001), Timed Up and Go (-4.5 vs -2.6 s; p=0.002), and Barthel Index (+14.2 vs +8.8; p=0.001). Between-group effect sizes ranged from 0.48 to 0.56. Conclusion: Task-oriented motor training significantly improved lower limb motor recovery, gait performance, balance, functional mobility, and daily living independence in sub-acute stroke patients and represents a practical rehabilitation strategy for resource-constrained settings.
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Copyright (c) 2026 Hamna Khurshid, Malije Henry Ezepue, Saira Muzaffar Shah, Jaweria Zaib Abbasi, Mehr Un Nisa, Warda Khan, Kiran Hassan, Etisam Wahid, Shahzad Ahmad (Author)
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
