ABSTRACT

Objective: In this study, a task-oriented approach (TOA) applied to improve the upper limb function and daily life activities of stroke patients is systematically reviewed and meta-analyzed. Next, the direction of task-oriented research is presented. Methods: Data from 17 RCT studies from January 2000 to August 2018 were collected using the MEDLINE, CINAHL, and PubMed databases. Then, after a systematic analysis using the Pedro score and PICO, data from each study were used to conduct a meta-analysis. Results: The 17 studies showed improvements in upper limb functions and daily living activities using various TOAs. We found three types of TOA, namely, a repeat reinforcement type, a combination type, and a patient-tailored type. The influence of a TOA on the upper limb functions had a large effect size. In our analysis of the intervention type, the patient-tailored type had a large effect size, whereas the combination and reinforcement types showed moderate effect sizes. The influence of the TOA on the activities of daily living showed a moderate effect size. Conclusion: When applying a TOA, the effectiveness of treatment can increase as the diversity is enhanced by utilizing various stimuli, goals, environments, and feedback.