Unilateral versus bilateral upper limb training after stroke: the Upper Limb Training After Stroke clinical trial.

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.