EFFECTS OF OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY AND SPECIAL EDUCATION EXCERSISES ON UPPER EXTREMITIES MOTOR SKILLS IN ADULT PATIENS WITH POST STROKE CONDITIONS

Background: The aim of the research is to determine the effect of special education treatment as a supplement to occupational therapy. Method: Standard special education tests for evaluation motor function of upper... [ view full abstract ]

Background:
The aim of the research is to determine the effect of special education treatment as a supplement to occupational therapy. Method:
Standard special education tests for evaluation motor function of upper extremities were applied on a sample of 64 patients. Patients from first experimental group received individually dosed special education treatment which was performed for at least 12 weeks as a supplement together with occupational therapy, while patients from the second experimental group were only in a process of occupational therapy without special education treatment. At the end of the research the same tests were used to reevaluate the level of motor abilities of the patient in both groups.
Results:
Patients from the first experimental group showed significantly better scores after applying the treatment in all tested variables.
Conclusion:
Through a detailed analysis of the obtained results, it can be concluded that special education treatment add to occupational therapy lead to better performing of upper extremities motor skills and can be a good supplement to conventional occupational therapy methods and techniques.
Application to Practice:
Because of the fact that each patient got a personalized support through special education exercises thereby the duration of each therapy session extended, and it demands more medical staff.