ABSTRACT

Objective: The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of a distant action-observation training program on the upper limb functions and performance capacities in the activities of daily living of outpatients after a chronic stroke. Methods: Fifteen outpatients were randomly allocated into the experimental group (n=7), who received distant action-observation training, and the control group (n=8), who received a self-exercise program. Each intervention consisted of a 30 min session once a day, three times a week, for five weeks. To measure the functions of the upper limbs and performance capacities in the activities of daily living, the Fugl-Mayer Assessment (FMA) scale and Motor Activity Log (MAL) were used before and after the intervention. Results: The findings indicate that there is a significant differences between the changes in FMA and MAL scores for both groups (p<.05). Moreover, after the intervention, the MAL scores of the experimental group were significantly higher than those of the control group (p<.05). Conclusion: Based on the above findings, outpatient treatment in combination with a distant action-observation training program was shown to be an intervention method that can increase the function restorations of chronic stroke patients. It can also increase the effects on local chronic stroke patients.