A comparison of two approaches in the treatment of perceptual problems after stroke.
OBJECTIVE
To compare the effectiveness of the transfer of training and functional approaches in improving perceptual and functional abilities after stroke.


METHODS
Patients identified as having perceptual problems were randomly allocated to either the transfer of training approach or the functional approach for perceptual treatment. On completion of six weeks of treatment, each patient was reassessed for perceptual and functional abilities.


METHODS
Eighty inpatients on the Nottingham Stroke Unit.


METHODS
Perceptual treatment was given for 2.5 hours per week for six weeks.


METHODS
Rivermead Perceptual Assessment Battery, Barthel ADL Index and Edmans ADL index.


RESULTS
There was no significant difference between the treatment groups on patient characteristics or impairments. The results also showed no significant difference between the treatment groups before and after treatment on perceptual ability total scores, individual perceptual subtest scores, or functional ability total scores (Mann-Whitney U 642.5-798.0, p > 0.05). Wilcoxon matched pairs signed ranks tests showed a significant improvement in both groups after treatment on perceptual and functional abilities (perceptual z = 6.02, p < 0.001, functional z = 6.72, p < 0.001).


CONCLUSIONS
These results indicated that the improvement in perceptual abilities was equivalent using either of the two approaches. This could be due to spontaneous recovery or the effects of the Stroke Unit.
Edmans
J A
JA
Stroke Unit, Nottingham City Hospital, UK.
Webster
J
J
Lincoln
N B
NB
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001007:Anxiety / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D003863:Depression / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D004401:Dysarthria / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay; D008297:Male; D008569:Memory Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D008875:Middle Aged; D009788:Occupational Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010465:Perception; D011336:Probability; D012678:Sensation Disorders / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation; D018709:Statistics, Nonparametric; D020521:Stroke / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013647:Task Performance and Analysis; D016896:Treatment Outcome