Unilateral Versus Bilateral Upper Limb Training After Stroke

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Unilateral and bilateral training protocols for upper limb rehabilitation after stroke represent conceptually contrasting approaches with the same ultimate goal. In a randomized controlled trial, we compared the merits of modified constraint-induced movement therapy, modified bilateral arm training with rhythmic auditory cueing, and a dose-matched conventional treatment. Modified constraint-induced movement therapy and modified bilateral arm training with rhythmic auditory cueing targeted wrist and finger extensors, given their importance for functional recovery. We hypothesized that modified constraint-induced movement therapy and modified bilateral arm training with rhythmic auditory cueing are superior to dose-matched conventional treatment. METHODS: Sixty patients, between 1 to 6 months after stroke, were randomized over 3 intervention groups. The primary outcome measure was the Action Research Arm test, which was conducted before, directly after, and 6 weeks after intervention. RESULTS: Although all groups demonstrated significant improvement on the Action Research Arm test after intervention, which persisted at 6 weeks follow-up, no significant differences in change scores on the Action Research Arm test were found between groups postintervention and at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Modified constraint-induced movement therapy and modified bilateral arm training with rhythmic auditory cueing are not superior to dose-matched conventional treatment or each other in improving upper limb motor function 1 to 6 months after stroke. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION URL: http://www.trialregister.nl. Unique identifier: NTR1665.