title: Long-term rehabilitation for chronic stroke arm movements: a randomized controlled trial.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We investigated the effect of long-term practice on motor improvements in chronic stroke patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  Randomized parallel group controlled study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Motor Behavior Laboratory, University of Florida.
  
  
  METHODS
  Eighteen individuals who experienced a stroke more than nine months prior to enrolling.
  
  
  METHODS
  The treatment interventions were bilateral arm movements coupled with active neuromuscular stimulation on the impaired arm for both practice duration groups. The short-term group received one treatment protocol, whereas, over 16 months, the long-term practice group completed 10 treatment protocols. All protocol sessions were 6 hours long (90 minutes 1 day/week/4 weeks) and were separated by 22 days.
  
  
  METHODS
  Repeated data collection on three primary outcome measures (i.e. Box and Block test, fractionated reaction times, and sustained force production) evaluated motor capabilities across rehabilitation times.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Mixed design ANOVAs (Group × Retention Test: 2 × 4; Group × Retention Test × Arm Condition: 2 × 4 × 2) revealed improved motor capabilities for the long-term practice duration group on each primary measure. At the 16-month delayed retention test, when compared to the short-term group, the long-term group demonstrated: (a) more blocks moved (43 v 32), (b) faster premotor reaction times (158 v 208 ms), and (c) higher force production (75 v 45 N).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sixty hours of rehabilitation over 16 months provided by various bilateral arm movements and coupled active stimulation improved motor capabilities in chronic stroke.
authors.affiliation: Applied Physiology and Kinesiology Department, University of Florida, Gainesville, USA. jcaura@hhp.ufl.edu
authors.forename: James H
authors.initials: JH
authors.lastname: Cauraugh
authors.forename: Sagar K
authors.initials: SK
authors.lastname: Naik
authors.forename: Neha
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Lodha
authors.forename: Stephen A
authors.initials: SA
authors.lastname: Coombes
authors.forename: Jeffery J
authors.initials: JJ
authors.lastname: Summers
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D001132:Arm; D004599:Electric Stimulation Therapy; D005081:Exercise Therapy / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D016037:Single-Blind Method; D000071939:Stroke Rehabilitation; D013997:Time Factors