Efficacy Of Visual Tracking Exercises Among Stroke Survivors

Abstract

Background: Visual impairments are common among stroke survivors especially the inability to visual tracking of objects has an effect on their quality of life and daily activities. Although their efficacy is unknown, visual tracking exercises are frequently utilized in rehabilitation to address these impairments. Therefore, this study is to investigate the effectiveness of visual tracking activities among stroke survivors.

Methodology: This was a randomized controlled trial conducted at a tertiary care hospital in Chennai. The study included 46 stroke patients with visual impairment aged between 25 and 65 years. The experimental group performed eye movements and visual tracking exercises, which were assessed by using the Barthel Index Scale.

Results: The results of this study highlight that before the intervention, 34.78% of patients were partially dependent, 52.17% needed minimal help, and 13.04% were independent. After the visual tracking exercises, the percentage of partially dependent patients decreased significantly to 17.39%, those needing minimal help decreased to 39.13%, and the percentage of independent patients increased markedly to 43.48%. Visual tracking exercises significantly improved functional independence among stroke patients.

Conclusion: This study showed that visual tracking exercises benefit functional independence, especially in grooming, dressing, and bowel control. They are recommended for individuals with visual impairments and stroke-related disabilities. The study findings revealed that more training, screening tools, and standardized pathways would improve rehabilitation outcomes and life adaptation for stroke survivors with visual impairments.