Effects of Upper Extremity Physiotherapy and Home Exercises on Functional Outcomes in Individuals With Stroke

This study aims to investigate the effects of an upper extremity physiotherapy program combined with home exercises on activities of daily living, quality of life, joint range of motion, and pain in individuals with hemiplegia following stroke. The study compares two groups: participants receiving supervised physiotherapy in addition to a home exercise program and participants performing a home exercise program only. The intervention includes stretching, range-of-motion exercises, arm ergometer training, progressive strengthening, coordination exercises, and fine motor activities. The intervention period lasts 10 weeks. Outcomes are assessed using the Barthel Index, Short Form-36 (SF-36), Visual Analog Scale (VAS), goniometric measurements, and sensory assessments. The study aims to evaluate whether adding supervised physiotherapy to home exercises provides additional benefits for upper extremity rehabilitation following stroke.

Inclusion Criteria: * Diagnosis of stroke. * Age greater than 30 and less than 65 years. * Time since stroke between 1 and 5 years. * Voluntary participation in the study and treatment. * Upper extremity Brunnstrom recovery stage 2 or 3. * Ability to understand and perform the prescribed exercise program. Exclusion Criteria: * Unwillingness to continue participation in the study or treatment. * Irregular attendance at scheduled treatment sessions. * Upper extremity contracture severe enough to prevent exercise performance or range of motion assessment. * Spasticity severe enough to prevent safe and effective upper extremity exercise performance. * Failure to perform the prescribed home exercises regularly. * Development of an additional disease or medical condition affecting upper extremity function during the study.