Based on the principles of neuroplasticity, the purpose of this crossover study was to determine if improvement in upper extremity (UE) function and independence could be achieved in patients 6 months to 7 years poststroke following an outpatient rehabilitation program (supervised 1.5 hours per week for 8 weeks reinforced with home gloving unaffected side and attended, graded, repetitive sensory and motor training activities). Twenty-one subjects (right or left hemiparesis; able to walk 100 feet with or without a cane; partially opened and closed the hand; partially elevated the shoulder and elbow against gravity) were randomly assigned to Group A (sensory training 4 weeks, motor training 4 weeks) or Group B (motor training 4 weeks, sensory training 4 weeks). Greater than 20% (P <0.01) improvement was measured in functional independence and UE function (fine motor, sensory discrimination, and musculoskeletal performance). Gains were hemispheric and training specific and maintained over 3 months. This study provides evidence documenting significant improvement in function in the late poststroke recovery period following 12 hours of supervised learning based sensory motor training.
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