Apraxia and action disorganization syndrome (AADS) after stroke can disrupt activities of daily living (ADLs). Occupational therapy has been effective in improving ADL performance, however, inclusion of multiple tasks means it is unclear which therapy elements contribute to improvement.~This trial evaluates the efficacy of a task model approach to ADL rehabilitation, comparing training in making a cup of tea with a stepping training control condition.~Stroke survivors with AADS participate in a cross-over randomized controlled study. Participants attend five 1-hour tea making training sessions in which progress is monitored and feedback given using a computer-based system which implements a Markov Decision Process (MDP) task model (CogWatch). In a control condition participants receive five 1-hour stepping sessions.~Analysis compares tea making training with stepping training effects on error reduction and time taken in making 4 different tea types. A complex tea preparation task (making two different cups of tea simultaneously) is used to test for generalisation of training effects.
Apraxia and action disorganization syndrome after stroke can disrupt activities of daily living (ADL). Occupational therapy has been effective in improving ADL performance, however, inclusion of multiple tasks means it is unclear which therapy elements contribute to improvement. This study evaluates the efficacy of a task model approach to ADL rehabilitation, comparing training in making a cup of tea with a gait training control condition.