The effects of cognitive exercise therapy on chronic stroke patients' upper limb functions, activities of daily living and quality of life

[Purpose] This study aimed to examine the effects of task-oriented exercise therapy and cognitive exercise therapy on the recovery of hand function and the quality of life in chronic stroke patients. [Subjects and Methods] A total of 16 patients with chronic stroke were selected and divided into two groups. Group I (n = 8) received task-oriented exercise therapy and Group II (n = 8) received cognitive exercise therapy. This study was conducted for eight weeks. Upper limb function was assessed using the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) and manual function test (MFT); activities of daily living were assessed using the motor activity log (MAL); and the quality of life was assessed using the stroke impact scale (SIS). The pre- and post-intervention results of these tests were analyzed. [Results] There were significant differences in all areas of upper limb function, activities of daily living, and quality of life between the two groups. There were significant differences between the two groups in the post-intervention upper limb function and quality of life. [Conclusion] Application of cognitive exercise therapy was found to effect functional recovery in stroke patients. Future research should focus on application of cognitive exercise therapy in diverse populations, and assess its clinical utilization.