Effects of intensity of arm training on hemiplegic upper extremity motor recovery in stroke patients: a randomized controlled trial

Abstract

Objective: To investigate the effects of different intensities of arm rehabilitation training on the functional recovery of hemiplegic upper extremity. Design: A randomized controlled trial. Interventions: Thirty-two stroke patients meeting the enrolment criteria were randomly divided into three groups: group A ( n = 11), group B ( n = 10) and group C ( n = 11). Each group received arm training for 1 hour, 2 hours and 3 hours a day respectively, 5 days per week, for a period of six weeks. Main measures: Motor function was assessed by Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Action Research Arm Test and Barthel Index, carried out before treatment, two weeks, four weeks and six weeks after treatment. Results: When comparing the three groups, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment improvement was more significant in group C (20.50 ± 7.84) than that in group A (11.90 ± 6.52 ) and group B (13.80 ± 6.41) after four weeks of treatment ( P < 0.05). The Action Research Arm Test score improvement was more significant in group C (7.30 ± 2.95) than in group A (3.30 ± 2.91 ) ( P < 0.05). After six weeks of treatment, the Fugl-Meyer Assessment and Action Research Arm Test score improvements were more significant in group C (24.50 ± 7.96, 10.90 ± 3.60) and group B (19.70 ± 7.09, 8.70 ± 4.62) than in group A (13.00 ± 6.38, 5.30 ± 3.40) ( P < 0.05). There were no significant differences of Barthel Index among the three groups ( P > 0.05). In each group, Fugl-Meyer Assessment, Action Research Arm Test and Barthel Index scores increased significantly after six weeks of treatment ( P < 0.05). Conclusions: An increase in the intensity of arm training might improve the motor function of the arm after stroke.