IMPACT OF PRESSURE WORKLOAD EXERCISES ON FUNCTIONAL ACTIVITIES OF HEMIPLEGIC PATIENTS

Abstract

OBJECTIVES
Stroke is the progressive neurological disorder with the global
prevalence of around 2.67%. Many patients with hemiplegic
stroke encounter mobility restriction, particularly having
difficulty with independent walking. Pressure Workload exercises
will help to improve active daily living (ADLs), balance
problems and muscular weakness in stroke patients. The present
study aims to identify the effects of pressure workload
exercises on reducing functional limitations and disability in
stroke survivors.
METHOD
A Randomized control trial (RCT) was conducted on sixty (60)
patients recruited from the outpatient departments of different
hospitals in Karachi. The patients were randomly assigned
in one of the two groups after making the initial assessment on
Barthel index. Control group received conventional physiotherapy
treatment including active or active assisted range of
motion exercises, stretching of upper and lower limbs, weight
bearing and balancing exercises whereas the experimental
group received pressure workload exercises of upper and
lower limbs and 20 minutes gait training.
RESULTS
Pressure workload exercise significantly improves functional
activities and quality of life (QoL) of hemiplegic patients
(p<0.05).
CONCLUSION
The study concluded that pressure workload exercises are
more effective in improving the quality of life (QoL) among
hemiplegic patients and are found to be more potent in comparison
to conventional physical therapy approach in improving
the Activity of Daily livings among the stroke survivors.

KEYWORDS
Pressure Workload, Hemiplegia, Functional Activities, Quality
of Life (QoL), Range of Motion, Stretching