Coupled Bimanual Training Using a Non-Powered Device for Individuals with Severe Hemiparesis: A Pilot Study.

ABSTRACT: Few options exist for training arm movements in participants with severe post-stroke hemiparesis who have little active range of motion. The purpose of this study was to test the safety and feasibility of training with a non-powered device, the Bimanual Arm Trainer (BAT), to facilitate motor recovery in individuals with severe hemiparesis. The BAT enabled coupled bimanual training of shoulder external rotation, which is reduced in individuals with severe post-stroke hemiplegia. The rationale for bimanual training was to harness contralesional cortical activity to drive voluntary movement in the affected arm in patients who could barely perform unimanual movements. Nine participants with post-stroke hemiparesis, preserved passive range of motion and Modified Ashworth score of <3 in the shou

SUBMITTER: Raghavan P 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5636010 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature